Rachel Demuth

I live in Bath and have concentrated on ceramics for the last three years. I am a full-time member at the Clay Loft in Nailsworth, and I have just completed a 3-month residential Ceramic Development course at Forest Row Ceramics School in Sussex.

My work is mainly hand-built and I like making marks and pushing the clay to see how far I can take it. I like texture and the contrast of rough and smooth. I add patterns and marks in a gestural way. Inspiration comes from African and Asian pots, from the beautifully decorated communal water pots to the impermanence of Indian chai clay cups.  I am fascinated by ancient vessels, buried for thousands of years, then un-earthed and discovered anew.

I make large vessels, sculptural figures, goblets and wall hangings.  Most of the pieces are wood ash glazed and reduction fired which brings out the richness and glossiness of the ash glazes.