Welcome to Sandgate Ceramic
Sandgate Ceramic is my small studio on Sandgate High Street, where I like to make functional pieces for everyday use. I want to make objects that are part of daily life rather than sitting on a shelf.
I work with a mix of clays including stoneware, porcelain and parian, choosing each one for how it feels, fires and works for a particular piece. Most of my time is spent on the wheel, making simple, well-balanced forms that are comfortable to hold and nice to use.
Everything is made here in the studio, by hand, with the hope that the pieces will become part of someone’s routine, enjoyed, used and lived with.
Rochester KIAD
My journey with clay began when I was just 16. I was fortunate to pursue a diploma at the Kent Institute of Art & Design (KIAD) in Rochester, where I had the privilege of learning from amazing tutors like Susan Hall and Peter Beard.
During that time, I focused on hand-building, smoke firing, and making Saggers, all while experimenting with the fascinating interplay between clay and metals. This period was foundational in shaping my approach to ceramics.
Edinburgh College of Art
I later continued my studies at Edinburgh College of Art, where I immersed myself in mould-making and slip casting. For my degree show, I cast a full-size CRT computer in clay, inspired by Charles Babbage’s Difference Engine and Ada Lovelace’s pioneering work in computing. Instead of firing the piece, I encased it in ice. This is a reflection of my desire to push the boundaries of traditional ceramics.
After my degree, I spent 25 years stepping away from clay. I worked on community projects and with mental health and youth projects. The love of clay never left me but eventually, I reopened a bag of clay, and Sandgate Ceramic was established.
Thank you for visiting Sandgate Ceramic, where I hope every piece tells a story, innovation, and my deep love for the art of ceramics.
