My main area of interest  is developing my smoke fired vessels. I find it absorbing knowing that  carbonisation Can be used as a means of ceramic decoration and that the end result is unpredictable. This means that I am constantly experimenting with what I use and recording results.

After burnishing the white stoneware vessels I may decorate them with slip, under-glaze colours or red/white terra-sigillata. Then a bisque firing at 1000C.  Next the pots are fired bare or wrapped in various materials such as rags, garden plants, seaweed, string and wire in the smoke kiln. This is an old copper water cylinder located in the garden. I fuel the kiln with wood shavings and sawdust which I source locally from a carpentry business and a woodcarver. After the firing the vessels are removed to be cleaned before waxing them which is when the true results of the smoke come alive.

I also produce a stone-ware range of platters, vases, jugs and large bowls mostly. This is to satisfy my need to provide funtional items which can be used as food containers, cookware and hold liquids. I have developed a pseudo-majolica method for decoration. I airbrush and paint designs in under-glaze colours and finish with transparent glaze and experiment with chun glazes. Everything is still enjoyably experimental as I constantly investigate new ideas. This produces some great functional pieces that are most beautiful to admire.