I grew up in Scotland, did a maths degree at Cambridge and then spent several years abroad teaching English. This included a year in Japan, where I saw some inspiring ceramics and became interested in potting.

I started potting in 1995 in York, and spent the next four years experimenting and learning whatever I could. From 1999 to 2003 I worked full-time at Coxwold Pottery for Peter and Jill Dick as their apprentice. During this time I also took part in Charles Bound's anagama wood firings. These were a big influence, encouraging me to explore richer surfaces and to think of pots as fully 360-degree objects.

In 2003 my partner and I moved to the Yorkshire Wolds where I set up my own studio and kiln with the help of an Arts Council award. 

In April 2005 I completed two years’ mentoring with Maggie Barnes of European Ceramics, funded by Art Connections. From early on in the mentoring, Maggie encouraged me to draw, and this proved to be an essential skill. It gave me another tool with which to work out ideas, and fostered a greater awareness of form. I had been interested in making organic forms ever since I began potting: the mentoring gave me the opportunity to return to these early interests and develop them. Working with Maggie was crucial in helping me find my own voice as a maker.

Since 2006 I have devoted most of my time to an office job. However, in my creative time, I have been making small, fully hand-built work that is less symmetrical than before. My drawing has developed, helped by going to a life-drawing class. I'm focusing on developing my ideas, in a broader sculptural context.

2005      Earth and Fire, Rufford Craft Centre
2004      Christmas Present, Shipley Art Gallery
             Hull Open, Ferens Art Gallery, Hull
             Made at Rufford, Rufford Craft Centre residencies exhibition
2002      Potfest in the Pens, Penrith
               Platform Gallery, Clitheroe (Northern Potters' Association exhibition)
2000       Harris Museum, Preston (NPA)
1998       York City Art Gallery (NPA)
 
 

2003-05  Selected for mentoring with Maggie Barnes (European Ceramics) by Art Connections (Chrysalis Arts).
2004       £5000 Arts Council award to set up new studio and design and build my gas kiln.
2003       Artist’s Residency at Rufford Craft Centre. 6 week Residency to develop my new work, fire the anagama wood kiln and give workshops and demonstrations.
 
 

From 1997 Contributor to Ceramic Review, CPA News and NPA News
1997-2000 Northern Potters' Association committee, including Newsletter editor for 2 years