David Allnatt

In 2009 I moved to the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire and established my present workshop. The close contact with the forest is a continuing source of inspiration for my new work. I have a contemplative approach to making, and spend considerable time drawing and sketching out ideas for new pieces. The forms and textures of my ceramics are inspired by nature and suggest the effects of erosion by the wind and the drying and bleaching of the sun.

I am currently working on a range of hand built vessel forms, each piece is constructed using hand building techniques incorporating slabbing, coiling and press moulding. I sometimes use simple plaster moulds which I design and make myself. The pieces are built using a sandy red earthenware clay body.

The assembled work when leather hard is decorated with coloured slips and oxides, the desired effect is a strong sense of surface pattern. After a high bisque firing to 1120 centigrade I apply a number of dry matt glazes. The pieces are then fired again to 1060 centigrade. I often rub back and re-apply glaze between firing in order to produce the effects I want to achieve.

I have exhibited widely throughout the UK and abroad and my work is housed in both private and public collections. I am a selected member of the Craft Potters Association (CPA) and also a selected member of Make Southwest where my work is permanently represented in their gallery.