A L I S O N W E S T
C U R R E N T W O R K
K I R S T Y A D A M S
Kirsty Adam’s work is both functional and holds aesthetic meaning, retaining the spontaneity and delicacy intrinsic to making on the potters’ wheel. A Japanese comb tool is used to create and enhance the throwing lines. Her Icelandic collection is the culmination of a research trip to Iceland to express the ‘otherworldliness’ of the landscape.
Kirsty is an award-winning ceramicist currently working from her studio in Newcastle upon Tyne. She originally trained at Brighton Art College and then on the potters’ wheel in Japan. She has developed a personal approach to throwing on the wheel using porcelain clay, to produce unique pieces for the home.
Exhibitions and Events
Being Human
6th March - 19th April 2020
C U R R E N T W O R K
Diane Griffin
"I create poetic ceramic sculptures composed of contrasting forms and textures. My work is inspired by our human experience in relation to our emotions and the constructs we have evolved to manage them. This interest began during a trip to Jerusalem’s Wailing Wall when I was 19 years old. Here I was fascinated by the hum of prayers being spoken to the stone wall and the thousands of messages left at this historic site. I observed how people were using this ritual to come together to connect with their spiritual selves and each other as well as a higher power."
"Religions and cultures across the world have used the elements of the natural world in ceremonies and rituals for millennia and it is this connection that has inspired my latest series of works. The series is called Ego Sum Terra (I am Earth), which explores the spiritual relationship we humans have with our world. We rely on nature for our existence, our physical, mental and spiritual well being. Humans and nature, we are essentially as one. This series focuses on the blurring of this boundary. Organic earthy forms combine with ones more ordered and refined. Repeated layers of delicate porcelain sheets merge with and emerge from textured and cracking surfaces blending into one united piece."
Born and raised in London, Diane graduated with Ceramics B.A.Hons in 1988 and has worked in ceramics ever since. She has many years of teaching experience but committed full time to her artistic practice in 2015 and works from her studio in Northamptonshire.
​
Some of Diane’s earliest memories are of the connection she felt with drawing, painting and creating, but it was during her time at Farnham (now UCA), studying for her ceramics degree that her passion for working in clay became deep-rooted. Diane moved from London to North Yorkshire where she continued her work with clay and began teaching ceramics while also raising her children. In 2007 she moved to Towcester in Northamptonshire where she set up a much larger studio which has enabled her to expand and develop her practice.
​
Diane has taken part in many shows and exhibitions both nationally and internationally, including exhibitions at London Art Fair and Collect International Art Fair. Diane continues to develop her practice and her unique visual language in ceramics and is now included as a Master Artisan in the Homofaber Guide.
Gallery Collection
