I returned to ceramics after a career in product design to focus on the high-temperature fusion of steel with ceramics; not something I'd ever seen done, but a personal fascination with seemingly endless possibilities. My work is an attempt to reveal something of the special bond between the materials.
After many experiments with chemistry, temperature and atmosphere I have managed to develop techniques for different degrees of ceramic/metal fusion.
An old rusty nail in it's moment of transition back to rock
As the temperature in the kiln approaches critical both steel and clay begin to transform. Steel becomes soft and ultimately liquid while the clay begins to vitrify and also itself approaches melting point. If conditions are exactly right (temperature, atmosphere and chemistry) interactions are enabled that blur the boundaries between the materials. Each piece is a snap-shot of the very moment of embrace and fusion; a unique expression of the materials and their history.
Most work contains iron and steel items found or dug up around our 400 year old farm in South West Wales; anything from ancient nails to flakes of rusty plough. I also use one of our own clays from the farm in small amounts in the mix of chemistry.
Send me a message, and I'll get back to you soon!
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