The Totnes Potters

Verran Townsend is known for filming his pottery in natural and often remote landscapes, contrasting the stillness of a pot with the beautiful and moving scene that surrounds it. Jess Heard is currently most excited by atmospheric firings—especially wood and gas—where the kiln’s flame and atmosphere shape each piece with unique, unrepeatable character.

Alison Hannah gets her kicks from the chemistry of heat and metal oxides on clay whilst  Nikki Smith combines many of the ceramic techniques she has learnt- sgraffito, hand painting, handmade stamps, transfers, mono printing, slip and textures - into a single piece.  Paula Wilson is interested in the relationship between the internal and external aspects of the vessel and how this can reflect our own relationships with ourselves and those around us.

Amanda Harvey is an artist sharing stories of Good Blue News in art inspired by kelp, seagrass and the ‘Little Rays of Hope’ projects at the UK’s first National Marine Park, Plymouth Sound, where she volunteers. For Caroline Aisher, she believes the rhythmic motion required to shape the moon jar takes on a deep bond between the maker and the vessel whilst Alys Brooker aims to make beautiful and functional items which feel nice to touch, look at and use. David Parsons likes the unknown in pottery starting with an idea which transforms into something surprisingly different.

Lucy Bell is returning to ceramics after maternity leave. She is enjoying playing with slips made from hand dug clay, mark making and texture. Watch this space to see what emerges.  Julia Toy is a relaxed playful maker, wavering between intention and just seeing what happens.  Whilst making her shoes, she thought of Ms Frizzle from the magic school bus-her iconic shoes and her motto “Take chances, make mistakes, get messy”.

Elizabeth Smith loves feeling the edge of change: the tension of the natural forces and playing with fire, in a good way. Janice Tall makes to stay grounded and right now is captivated by the patterns that are made in the sand as the sea pulls back. She chases the ephemeral beauty, caught in the act, and held in clay.

Julia Toy and Alison Hannah - After Japan

 Julia Toy | Alison Hannah

The potters have connected once again to produce a themed collection of their work. Under the title “Pour”, you will find works that link their interpretation of the word “Pour”. Expect to find a surprisingly diverse range of ceramics and enjoy.

https://makesouthwest.org.uk

Totnes Potters Inaugural Exhibition:

Current unprecedented challenges faced locally and globally drive the practice of this group of local potters and ceramicists, whose work will be exhibited at their first joint exhibition at the Birdwood House Gallery, Totnes, 24 -29 October 2022 from 10am to 5pm.

The exhibition will include current work by Totnes Potters’ 12 members and reflect their collective and individual interpretation of ‘Centering’. Throwing and hand building with clay offers a rare  opportunity for mindful contemplation.