Helen McCormick

I am a Welsh ceramicist and art teacher living in Devon. My hand-built ceramic vessels are strongly influenced by the coast and my time living, teaching and travelling in South East Asia. They are inspired by my first-hand experience of bulbous and curvaceous shapes found in many of the countries I travelled through.

Each vessel is an exploration into the plasticity of the clay and the relationship between the maker and material. Beginning with a simple pinch pot, I build each piece over a few days so that there is time to reflect whilst the clay is drying and before adding the next coil. I then turn back the form by hand with a metal kidney, carving excess clay away, and using a mirror to help me achieve symmetry. I use stoneware clay, which I high bisque fire before applying very thin glaze. The surface is achieved by layering slip and barium glaze via pouring, dipping, spraying or brushing onto the vessel, layering the glaze. Each piece is a flux of blues and greens, reflecting the richness of the waters of the ocean.

I studied a BA in 3D Design, Designer Maker at University of Plymouth (Exeter Campus) 1996-1999 and a MA in Ceramics at UWIC, Cardiff in 2003-2004. Having a passion to share my knowledge and skills, I completed a PGCE in Art and Design in 2005-2006. I have taught and managed Art and Design in schools for 16 years in the Wales, England, Ghana, Thailand and Hungary. Lockdown was a turning point in my career and I am now taking a leap of faith and focusing on sharing my skills via local community workshops and developing my studio practice; in my new life as an independent educator and studio ceramicist.