Fiona Kelly

After evening classes at Goldsmiths' College, London, I studied part time there in the Ceramics Department 1981-3 concentrating on throwing, tutored by Lisa Hammond.

Following moving to Bournemouth, the births of four daughters and working in the tourism and construction industries with my husband, I have been able to concentrate more on my potting over the last fifteen years.

My current work is mainly functional stoneware pottery. I use a variety of slips and glazes, coloured with natural colouring oxides, and fire to 1280°c in an electric kiln. Much of my inspiration comes from the sea and nature - fish and boats feature in the relief decoration, as do clusters of grapes; often in conjunction with paper resist designs which bring another level of interest to the work, and I have introduced a more sculptural element through modelled handles and lids. The glaze-on-glaze decoration is inspired by spirals in water.

In 2013 I took over the Creative Gallery in St John's HIll, Wareham, which is run as a co-operative which still allows me making time.  I sell widely around Dorset, at outside events and shows as well as with East Dorset Potters and Southern Ceramic Group. I have also sold work in France, through galleries and potters' markets. My work is available in the Creative Gallery in Wareham, the Jill Rousseau Gallery in Bideford, Everycloud Gallery in Dorchester and Nadder & Wylye in Southbourne, Bournemouth.

www.fionakellypots.co.uk
www.creativegallerywareham.co.uk