Ruthin Craft Centre Ceramic Portal
Between September 28th 2024 - January 12th 2025 I exhibited as part of the ceramic portal series at Ruthin Craft Centre in Denbighshire, North Wales, a series which highlights new work by Welsh makers. This showcased pots made during 18 month apprenticeship with wood-firing potter Simon Levin in Pawnee, Illinois (Feb 2023-July 2024). Simon has been running a prestigious apprenticeship programme sine 2004 and I was delighted to be provided with a ‘Create’ grant from the Arts Council of Wales for this professional development programme. I’m also grateful to the North American Wales Foundation for their generosity in providing financial assistance as well as International Arts and Artists my US visa sponsor.
‘With wood as the sole source of fuel, these pots showcase the transformational potential of fire to create rich and enigmatic surface effects. The lengthy firing process involves days of teamwork and cooperation with other makers, leading to new friendships, sharing of experiences and storytelling. This selection of work begins to capture some of the warmth of this shared communal experience.’