Poterie à la Carte (Stevie Carter)

Encouraged by an excellent teacher, I experimented with a wide range of techniques while developing my skills at adult education classes. On retirement, I moved to Provence for a while and set up a pottery studio, working at the time with hand-painted earthenware. My main body of work is currently stoneware: wheel-thrown domestic items such as bowls and mugs are individually decorated and reduction-fired in a gas kiln. Decoration with slips and oxides is inspired by the natural world: landscapes, trees, birds and fish are common themes. Handbuilt items often incorporate sculptural elements and I make a selection of small frost-proof items to bring a little creative magic to the garden. I enjoy opportunities to try out ideas that are new to me: an Instagram challenge to produce 30 different plates on set themes was particularly inspiring, as is the Great Pottery Throwdown. Commissions are accepted: house signs and fairy doors are popular.