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​My journey through craft begun whilst studying a degree in Embroidery at Manchester Metropolitan University where I graduated in 2010. It was here that my love of process and traditional handcrafts was developed and nurtured. A fascination in the process of turning raw materials into new objects of function and beauty is very much the central focus of all my work. 

Post university I found an increasing interest in more three-dimensional forms drew me to explore ceramics, where in pottery classes I felt an instant affiliation with both material and process. I then spent around 5 years getting to the studio in most of my spare time around work, practicing over and over and over! In 2017 I decided to take the plunge and quit my day job. In many ways it wasn’t until this point that my practice really started to take shape. Being able to concentrate solely on my craft gave way to so much progression, among the many misjudged errors. I now run a studio in central Bristol where I teach classes and work on commissions for private clients, restaurants and shops.
 
​Working in stoneware with all work is created on the potter’s wheel, my creative practice takes two avenues. Firstly, exploring the functionality of everyday tableware, resulting in comprehensive range of homewares. Secondly, I create collections of one-off pieces, allowing space to explore my creativity and challenge my skills as a maker.
 
Challenging my understanding and knowledge of my craft is fundamental to the development of my work. Allowing for a continuous experimentation with new forms and exploration of different glazes, resulting in a diverse and exciting product range.

​My everyday functional tableware ware combines simplicity with elegance to produce timeless pieces. Using the muscle memory built through years of practice to repeat forms that are designed for their use. Both the feel and look are carefully considered throughout the making. The tactile quality is just as important as the look of each piece, this in turn drives decisions on both the form and the finish of the glaze.

The desire to really learn my craft and push the boundaries of skill and material has led to the creation of a more unique and bespoke body of work. One off pieces that reflect their functional history but are created less for everyday use and more for the platform they provide to explore my creativity. These pieces are firstly about form; new ideas on shape is always the starting point for any collection. By removing the limitations of strict functionality, I am directed by creativity alone, allowing for a wide scope of evolution from one collection to the next. With each collection made I aims to challenge my understanding of both material and process, explore new ideas in form and finish but most importantly learn more about my craft and practice.
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Photographs by Jo Torres