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. Going on to exhibit across the South West. Most of the ceramics are hand built. There is always a need to have fun with clay either in the firing or the way the finished pieces look.
Recently I have been running pop up clay workshops from toddler groups to residential care homes. Tailor making workshops to themes or ability. It has fuelled new explorations into clay. Following a couple of workshops on Jurassic creatures and visits to the Jurassic coastline new work has begun exploring the Jurassic coast, textures, pattern and how this can be created in a range of kiln firings. I am also creating a new range based on the forest and countryside around my studio. 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