Deborah Clarke

I always knew I wanted a career in art. During school work experience at a ceramic studio pouring moulds and fettling the joy of ceramics began. A 2 year BTEC in 3D design covered a wide range of subjects including product design, metal work and ceramics. Learning from inspiring potters like Morgan Hall with her fun design elements fuelled my love of clay. Instead of leaving with enough knowledge to set up a studio it opened up the endless possibilities of clay and the need to know more. I went on to study a BA (hons) in Ceramics at Bath.
After completing my degree I exhibited at the New Designers exhibition at the Business Design Centre and enjoyed stewarding and helping build wood and turf kilns at the International Ceramics Festival, Aberystwyth. Eight years ago I set up Creative Clay For All, running inclusive mobile clay workshops for museums, schools and community groups.

I enjoy hand building but have recently bought a jigger jolly that I am now experimenting with. My pieces are inspired by the Jurassic coast and Dorset landscape exploring textures and colour. There is always a need to have fun with clay either in the firing or the way the finished pieces look. I mainly fire in an electric kiln but occasionally fire in a community wood fired kiln.
Clay has infinite possibilities and exploring some of those will always be a joy.

​More about workshops can be found at www.creativeclayforal.co.uk