top of page
About
At 16 Andy started a three year apprenticeship with Heron Pottery, after wich he was employed as a production thrower by a number of potteries where he developed a range of techniques.
He did a three year apprenticeship in Pembroke as a production potter, 1981 , and moved on to do glaze chemistry and clay technology at Carmarthen Art School Jobswellroad. At this point Andy discovered his interest in Raku Ceramics.
He soon became known for the precicion of his thrown work and combined the precise classsical shapes of his thrown work with the randomness and spontaneity of the glazed effect wich is inherent in the process of Raku firing.
In 1990 he opened his own gallery.
At this time Andy began to combine the precise classsical shapes of his thrown work with the randomness and spontaneity of the glazed effect wich is inherent in the process of Raku firing.
Raku refers to a method of firing wich derives from an ancient Japanese technique and is associated with Zen philosophy and practise.
There are many factors and variables involved in the Raku proces, wich to some extent is always dependant on the dynamic principle of chance.
Thus the artist does not have absolute control but is more an active participant in the process.
In the way each individual piece is a unique expression of this relationship and the particular creative event from wich it arises.
In 1997 he moved to Cork, West Ireland where he created studio pottery for galleries throughout Ireland.
It was whilst in Ireland that Andy developed a particular interest in bodycasting and sculpture. For him this hand built work represented something quite different as he experienced a deeper empathy with the clay without the intervention of mechanics devices such as a wheel.
He found this way of working much more intuitive and expressive and more reflection of inner attitudes, feeling and impressions.
Andy is now living in Mid Cornwall with his partner Monique Robben who is a painter. They now work together creating raku ceramics/ sculptures as well as bronze editions of 9 with a variety of patina's. Selling internationally and working with Raku and post firing techniques. They have an open studio close to the sea in Mid Cornwall.
Raku Process
bottom of page