It all began...
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..with a big tub of plasticine. As a child I would happily spend hours modelling this clay-like material into all sorts of creatures, but especially dogs.
I love that I still get to play with clay every day.
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​​​I have been sculpting my ceramics professionally for almost 30 years since graduating from the University of Wolverhampton with a BA Honours in Ceramics.
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My dogs begin...
..as hollow extruded tubes of clay.
From these I cut and form their body, legs and their head, which is always fun as the positioning of an eyebrow or the dogs ears gives them their unique characters and personalities.
Using various props to support each dog they are left in my studio for over a week until they are completely dry and ready for the kiln.
Where the clay is joined I leave a torn or cut edge, which I hope, shows how I am using clay.
I tend to let the clay and the extruder inspire what the end dog will look like. For example, the clay tube may curl as I extrude it, which I will then use for the neck of a sitting dog, which is looking down.
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Once dried, I raw glaze their eyes and noses before firing them to low stoneware temperature. They are then smoke-fired in a small, lidded incinerator, which is packed with combustibles like sawdust and paper, and left to burn down overnight.
The spotty and patchy dogs that I produce are the result of masking areas where I don't want the smoke to go.
I enjoy the very natural and often unexpected tones that are achieved using this method.
Each dog is completely unique as a result of this process.
​To find my list of stockists please click the dog below.
EDUCATION
Sufolk College Btec Art & Design
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University of Wolverhampton BA (hons) 3D Design: Ceramics
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TOLLY & ME
I have always loved dogs... ..ever since growing up along side 'Tolly', a gorgeous Labrador cross Irish Setter. We had him when I was two, and I was eighteen when he died, he seemed more like a brother than a dog. He was my confidant and always available for a hug. I see a lot of him in the dogs that I make, inspired by his big floppy ears and paws.
Tolly was followed by Polly, a Labrador springer spaniel cross. She could jump a six foot fence in her younger days.
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VEGAS...
The first dog of my own was a Parsons Russell terrier named Vegas, named because he had six spots on his head and one on his bottom like a dice. He was my beloved studio mascot for nearly sixteen years and could usually be found warming himself in his favourite spot under the kiln.
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WILF was a very handsome German Wire-haired Pointer and my studio companion for fifteen years.
He inspired many a pose, was a great source of humour and a true gent.
DIXIE the wire haired dachshund is the newest addition to our family. She’s clever, affectionate and sassy, and makes me laugh and smile every day.
