Gill Bliss

I make individual pots, largely thrown on the wheel, which are functional and decorative. For many years I only used porcelain; more recently I have been foraging clay from my local area around Rode, Somerset and often mix foraged clay and porcelain to give a range of colours. Processing and mixing this clay has given me a slower pace of working, appreciating more the individual nature of each piece.

I use a ‘fluted agate ware’ technique; throwing with coloured clay swirling through the form, and then carving into the surface to reveal each unique pattern. This keeps me continually curious as to what will emerge. I add quieter areas of plain colour to give a balance to designs.

With a BA and MA from Cardiff, and a PHD from Loughborough University, I have been working with clay for over 40 years. Author of ‘Practical Solutions for Potters’ (1998)