Artist Statement

My creativity comes from engaging with my surroundings and I find inspiration from surface patterns and textures. Although I was born and bred in Devon, my travels have led me as far away as Italy where I spent time enjoying its remarkable beauty and many rural settings. I graduated in 2004 and am continuing to establish myself as an Artist. My work consists of fine vessels in porcelain and bone china and contemporary ceramic lighting. My studio is based in Exeter and recent designs include a range of porcelain jewellery.

I feel that part of being a designer maker is having the ability to make an object that says something to you. I try to achieve some sort of connection, not recreating something from nature, more of a trigger. Drawn to the pureness of porcelain, my intention is to explore surface decoration and give identity and personality to my work by pushing the materials boundaries to exploit its inherent properties and translate them into a series of forms.

I’m particularly interested in the unglazed surface and spend time polishing to a very fine finish, which not only feels wonderful to touch, but contrasts beautifully against texture and colour making you want to reach out and feel for yourself. My inspiration comes from natural formations and erosion, seaside and coastal locations are a favourite where I can pick up many a pebble and see sand trails blown by the wind.

Cresta Glass