Maker Focus: Cowhouse Gallery, Perranuthnoe

MAKER'S FOCUS

Sara Taylor

Potter and Member at The Cowhouse Gallery

I was working as a gardener, but in 2015 decided on a change of direction in my career and enrolled on an Access to Higher Education course. This awakened the power of creativity within me, and I went on to do a BA (Hons) in Art and Design, specialising in ceramics.

I love the tactile sense of working with clay. The time I spent in the ceramic studio was a wealth of investigation - exploring, learning, taking notes and photographs on the many processes and techniques that I experimented with, so I could go back and understand exactly what caused a specific result, many of which I use today in my practice.

I am very much influenced by the rugged coastline. I’m fascinated by the way the ever-changing light produces the many different colours and textures of the sea, sand and rock formations found in the Cornish landscape. I attempt to transform these images into clay by using the unlimited variety of colours, patterns and energy found in nature. I start by taking photographs and then sketch out my designs using watercolours.

I do not make functional pots, but prefer to use the piece as a subject, to give a visual memory. Each piece is hand-built, starting with a pinch pot, then I attach coils and slabs of different clays to give variations of colour and surface. I also add colour by mixing body stains and oxides to porcelain and white stoneware clays, along with locally dug clay to connect an element of place in my pots.

A pot can take up to two weeks to complete depending on its complexity. As such, I usually work on numerous pieces at one time. I let certain areas dry out to support the growing form, while other surfaces must be kept damp enough so that I can add more clay. I try to control the gradual drying of these areas to avoid cracks, as individual clays have different quantities of grog which helps to give the clay body and structure. After adding a layer of clay, I scrape away any excess which also helps to define the form. When leather hard, I compress the surface with a smooth pebble which gives the piece a slight sheen. My pots can then take up to four weeks to dry and are then fired once over a period of 17 hours in an electric kiln.

There is always the element of surprise when you open up the kiln. I push the clay beyond its considered limitations, hopefully towards something that I think will be of interest, so that first glimpse of the fired piece can be like seeing your work for the first time.

I exhibit my pieces at the Cowhouse Gallery. It’s situated in the idyllic village of Perranuthnoe in west Cornwall, between St Michael’s Mount and Prussia Cove. In 2002, some charming historic farm buildings were converted into what is now the Lynfield Craft Centre. The following year, Meg O’Connor and a group of artists created a studio gallery in one of the spaces, and the Cowhouse Gallery was born. In 2005, it became a collective of local artists, making the most of a bright, airy space in an inspirational location. Members and associate member guest exhibitors share their work daily with gallery visitors.

Perranuthnoe has a stunning beach and at low tide a wide expanse of golden sand and beautiful pebbles. It’s a popular destination for surfers, swimmers, walkers and families, and a wonderful source of inspiration at all times. l The Cowhouse Gallery is open daily 11am to 4pm wintertime and 10am to 5pm during the summer.

Lynfield Craft Centre, Perranuthnoe, TR20 9NE. Tel 01736 710538 www.cowhousegallery.co.uk A @thecowhousegallery G Cowhouse Gallery.