Clay has many qualities. This is something I learnt when I started as a pottery student in Tonbridge, Kent over thirty years ago. Examining the work of other potters keeps me exploring new methods and new shapes. I try hard not to make direct copies of other potters' work but their ideas push me to create new themes in my own work.

I've been tutoring for over 20 years in a variety of studios but now I only take classes in my own workshop in Coleford Pottery, in Tonbridge, Kent. I've called it Coleford Pottery because it's the name of my house. My classes are small so that I'm able to give individual tuition. All aspects of clay construction are covered including handbuilding methods, wheel work and decorative techniques. I hope that I can give students the confidence to use their own creative skills to make their choice of ceramic items using the endless possibilities which clay offers.

My own work is mostly wheel thrown but, occasionally, I do make slab, coil and raku pots. I make individual items which means that if I'm repeating a particular shape, like a set of bowls, they are not identical but similar. I enjoy experimenting with all types of surface effects including coloured slips, oxides, underglaze colours, glass and glaze. I like textures in my work and I make these by impressing, carving or applying separate, thin layers of clay to make surface patterns. Each year I take part in South East Open Studios in Four Elms near Edenbridge. Every other year I enter work in the Wrotham Arts Festival. Last year I was delighted to receive First Prize for Best Ceramics and, hopefully, 2013 will be another successful year for me. The Gallery page of this website will show you examples of some or the work I make.

© 2012 Liz Stace