Riviera People wheel and left to dry overnight. Next day it’s back on the wheel for a spot of ‘turning’ with a metal tool (like a wood turner except with clay). The piece is now given a ‘foot ring’, which gives it a lovely finished look and is stamped with Tez’s mark on the bottom and the side. The clay is harder now – dry but not yet fired (the greenware stage). Handles are added using a slip made from dried clay and vinegar – this prevents cracking and stops the handles falling off. The next stage is to leave the items until they’re completely dry and ready for the first (bisque) firing to 1000 degrees. This process turns the clay into ceramic. Tez takes her batch of products out when cool and checks them over for any imperfections. Then it’s time for the glazing to start, with a mix that Tez has prepared earlier. She prepares her glazes from raw materials and achieves some beautiful results through the exciting alchemy of the glaze technique. She tells me, “Seeing my glazes develop is wonderful – it makes you smile when you open the kiln.” The glaze is used by dipping or pouring and can be repeated 3 or 4 times to get the desired results. Now the base will be wiped and cleaned so it doesn’t stick to the kiln and fired again at 2045 degrees for ten hours. It will then take a further 10 hours to cool down. Tez is in her Cockington studio five days a week, usually Tuesday to Saturday and sometimes Sunday. She says, “I’m constantly covered in clay – it’s hard to keep clean – it good that my studio is away from where I live because the clay just gets everywhere.” Visitors to the studio often commission sets of items like mugs and each piece will be a little different. Tez explains that she finds the psychology of handles and homeware interesting. People can become very attached to ‘their mug’ and only feel at home with their special one. She’s now concentrating on developing new products in her distinctive style. Surprisingly, the pieces that are hugely popular online are markedly different from the ones visitors choose when they come to the studio in person. Tez needs to cater both for her online and her face-to-face customers and that keeps her pretty busy – not to mention crafting extra stock for the englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Christmas rush when people are looking for stylish but practical gifts. It’s so good to have met the local maker when choosing – it does make the present giving much more thoughtful and special. She loves working at the Sea Change Studios and has found the other makers and the Cockington Court Director, Marissa Wakefield incredibly supportive. When not working, Tez spends time with Krystal and her small son and enjoys swimming and paddleboarding out of Paignton, Brixham and Babbacombe. She tells me, “Life can often be challenging as an artist but I’m really happy here.” Why not pop by to see Tez and her stunning stoneware range at Cockington Court? cockingtoncourt.org Above: One of Tez’s dog bowls - especially designed for dogs with floppy ears!
October/November 2021 | 15
