Summer 2016

As autumn kicks in, it’s good to look back to the summer and the Ceramic Fairs I showed work at. First, in early summer, was Earth and Fire, an International Ceramic Fair in the grounds of the beautiful Rufford Abbey, Nottingham. Sales were really good and I sold most of my large sculptural pieces on the Friday morning. It was a lovely show and very friendly with many European potters over to sell their work. This was my first time showing work there and I was really impressed how well the show was organised. A minor downside to selling so much work so quickly or ‘hot from the kiln’ was that I didn’t manage to take many photographs to record the collection.
 
The next fair, in mid-summer, was Potfest in the Park, at Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith where [having learnt my lesson!] I managed to get some lovely images of my work, particularly my competition piece, 'Birdbath'. This piece is 140cm high and made in 3 pieces. For those of you who haven’t been to any of the Potfest shows yet, every year there is a theme for new work and this year’s theme was ‘Birdbath – Flight of Fancy’ [scroll down to the bottom to see some images].

Last years show theme was 'Biblical', have a look at the Potfest Flickr page to see the range of work, here are some lovely images of my entry for last year, 'Forbidden Fruit'.

Last fair of the summer was Ceramics Wales which is a new show on the potter’s circuit. Taking place at North Wales School of Art and Design, Wrexham, the exhibition space was fantastic with lots of very enthusiastic student helpers. It had a great atmosphere and I’m sure it will grow to be a very popular show. As with all shows, who your stand is next to matters a lot and I was lucky to be next to Sue Hanna, a potter I have a lot of respect and admiration for.
 
Unsold pieces from these shows are now working their stuff in local galleries, you can find out about stockists here.
 
I’m back in studio now, woodburner on and keeping the new kiln busy with my Scottish Landscapes Stoneware range, soon ready for the season ahead - Christmas Craft Fairs and winter exhibitions….more on those next month!

Birdbath [side]

Birdbath [front]