The focus of this project was on working with natural, found materials in ceramics—especially wood ash and wild clay, all collected locally around Dorset, England. The process began outdoors: walking, collecting, observing and getting to know the landscape.
The idea for this project came up over supper at the pub in Nettlecombe, where Victor Crutchley and I spoke about using tree prunings from his family estate Mappercombe. I spent many weekends in the woods collecting twigs and branches, learning to identify tree species by bark and sprout and burning each species individually. Test tiles were made with ash glaze of each tree species, researching the differences. Alongside this, I collected wild clays from paths, fields, and beaches across Dorset, inspired by the variety of textures and colours found in the earth. The wild clays were used as glaze ingeredients combined with ash and as clay bodies to form vessels.
This project was about discovering what’s around me, embracing chance, working with the unpredictable nature of local materials and trying to let go of perfectionism. It reflects an ongoing dialogue between place, material and making.
The project and research results were exhibited at North Eggardon Woodland Day (England, 2025) and as part of the final exhibition of the Ceramic Development Course at Forest Row School of Ceramics (England, 2025).