David Wright

David Wright makes hand built pots from coils of clay. He uses Grogged Pink 153-1127 or David Wright Hand-Building Body 153-2152. The pots are glazed by pouring a simple ash or Shino glaze over the surface. The ash is collected from a wood-burning stove and as each batch is different, so there are subtle variances in the final colour. The pots are fired in a wood fuelled kiln to stoneware, which gives them a rich and complex character. As the processes dictate, each one is highly individual and unique. He often incorporates other materials into the finished pot.

"I prefer to build upwards with coils of clay; I enjoy the slower pace of working. There is something satisfying about rolling out the ropes of clay and blending them together. Each vessel marks a new beginning and as the pot slowly grows, it takes on its own unique personality. This method of building allows me to carefully consider the form; beating the walls and drawing the clay upwards, making the pot lighter whilst modifying the shape until it is acceptable. Scraping the coarse crank clay gives the final textured surface that I am looking for. The finished pots are bisque fired then glazed with simple ash or Shino glazes before firing in a wood fuelled kiln. Pots taken from a wood fired kiln are imbued with an intriguing sense of beauty. You can follow the passage of the river of fire by the deposited ash; look closer and a whole landscape of subtle colours are revealed. My kiln is a simple down draught, approximately .75 cubic metre, that I built myself at the bottom of the garden. Like making the work, firing is physically involving, slow, quiet, rhythmic and a time for contemplation"

Image: Ben Boswell

Apron by Laura Wright >

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