My Story
Making from my studio in Charnwood, Leicestershire I work to bring you a unique view of everyday household items. I graduated in 2006 from DeMontfort University where I studied BA(hons) in Ceramics and Glass. After my degree, I spent 13 years working for Leicester City Museum service and then for 4 years I worked in education, supporting students in ceramics. After this, I made the decision to follow my dream of making my own ceramics full time.
My Method
I slip cast found objects - kitchenware and familiar pantry items - in porcelain. These are then polished to create a pleasing eggshell texture, which both complements and contrasts the glazed elements of the piece. They are then broken and patched up with poisonous plant and fungi sprig decorations, which are glazed to provide contrast. Sometimes the damage is repaired with recycled copper phone wire. The pieces then come together as A Pantry with a Threatening Aura. I also have a collection of Vicious Biscuits, seasonal Wall Plaques, and Jelly Mugs.
My Fascination
As a maker, I am fascinated by poison plants and love exploring their uses, history, medicinal properties and deadly use. I have a fascination with women who kill, which leads me to explore the link between women, poison and poisonous plants in my work. My art juxtaposes comforting and familiar items that have strong links historically with traditional female roles with poisonous plants, poison and female poisoners.
Propaganda Pantry
This is where it all started, with my original collection, in 2005. While at University I developed my fascination with kitchen storage and especially Jelly moulds. I then deconstructed and damaged and reconstructed them, occasionally adding WWII propaganda images.
