I have more than twenty years experience as a china painter, and more recently I have become very involved in glass fusing techniques, especially using recycled glass and other recycled materials as inclusions. I’m fascinated by the metamorphosis of turning something destined for land fill into a beautiful artwork or functional piece. I also like to try and break the boundaries between various kiln fired arts and use overglaze enamels on glass as well as fusing glass onto ceramic pieces. My goal as a ‘kiln fired artist’ is to retain the dying skills of the ancient art of overglaze painting on ceramics for future generations to enjoy and also to fulfil a need move with the times and be environmentally aware.
Overglaze painting is an ancient art form, invented by the Chinese during the Ming Dynasty. Finely ground minerals (metal oxides) are mixed with a medium and then applied to a glazed ceramic body. The piece is fired to around 800 centigrade; during the firing process the colour might change slightly and as the glaze softens the colours bind and become permanent. The painting is built up gradually, and usually fired at least three times. This is a very time consuming and painstaking process and most of my overglaze work will take more than a week to complete. I also use many additional techniques such as fused glass, enamel, gold and lustre to name but a few.
My work is mainly influenced by the diversity of the natural world, I have a particular interest in texture, which probably evolved from an early interest in textiles. I’m also becoming more interested in abstract pattern because of its close relationship with texture. I do however still do some traditional work using classical overglaze painting techniques, but I prefer pushing the boundaries to explore what the medium is capable of and recently I have been painting with sugar syrup as my medium, this has opened up a wealth of textural paint effects.
I also enjoy the challenge of watercolour painting, more recently I have started to explore the possibilities of other kiln fired arts and crafts such as silver clay and enamel on copper, and dichroic glass jewellery, which always excites me when I open the kiln door. Each day I continue to enjoy the challenges and excitement that each media brings. The more I learn the more techniques and skills I have to bring to my work .