CENTRE FOR MODERN & CONTEMPORARY
STUDIO CERAMICS AND ORIGINAL ARTWORK

Rachel says

"I love to explore the rhythm and movement of throwing clay on a wheel, excited by the freshness and spontaneity of the results. My personal intuitive touch is an integral part of my pots. This is evident by a wet hand on a soft form fresh off the wheel, through to an individual hand or fingerprint emphasised by the glaze.

However, hand building features more predominantly than in the past, allowing for experiment and continuing exploration of form. Since working as assistant to Robin Welch and my residency at Rufford Craft Centre, I see an increased directness, urgency and confidence in the physical manipulation of the clay. My work is inspired by the landscape of Australia and local Derbyshire. I use stoneware clay, along with a variety of slips and glazes.

I throw and assemble my pots using stoneware clay. A combination of vanadium pentoxide clay and barium carbonate glaze results in very thirsty pots which have a dry and parched, yet warm and rich surface. They are fired in an electric kiln to 1260 C.

I now have a variety of activities in my working life, one of which is continuing to learn and to explore my own making process. Until recently, I have managed outreach and community activities at Rufford Gallery and Ceramic Centre, and taught ceramics at West Notts College of Further Education, Mansfield. I am now responsible for arts development work for Gedling Borough Council.