Sustainability
My work is made slowly and thoughtfully in my Cornish studio and I try to carry that same approach through every part of the process. From sourcing materials to firing, packaging and posting, I make considered choices wherever I can to reduce waste and work in a more sustainable way. This page shares a little more about those practices.
Making by Hand
Slow, physical methods using traditional methods
All of my ceramics are made by hand using a traditional Leach kick wheel ( I think my wheel was made about the same time as me!), powered entirely by me rather than electricity. I work slowly and physically with the clay which keeps each piece connected to the rhythm of traditional making. This approach naturally limits production and encourages a more considered way of working, where every pot has my full attention.
Local Clay
Sourced from a nearby Cornish quarry
I use locally sourced stoneware clay from a cliff top quarry in St Agnes, Cornwall. I make the most of the trip (about 40 minutes from me) and enjoy a walk with my pup across the Beacon making it a simple, grounded part of the process. Using local materials helps reduce transport impact and keeps my work closely tied to this landscape.
Energy & Firing
Fired using renewable electricity
My work is fired in an electric kiln powered by renewable energy. I always aim to fire completely full kilns, making the most efficient use of each firing cycle and reducing unnecessary energy use. While firing is an energy-intensive part of ceramics, I focus on careful planning and responsible choices wherever possible to minimise impact.
Recycling Clay
Nothing wasted in the making process
All unused clay, trimming scraps and throwing water is recycled and reused in my studio. Offcuts and failed pieces are reprocessed so the material can go back into the cycle of making. It's a messy business at times and my studio often looks like a battlefield of buckets, scraps and "I'll sort that out later" piles but very little is ever thrown away.
Packaging
Thoughtful low-impact packaging
Orders are packed using recyclable and responsibly sourced materials including honeycomb paper wrap, paper tape, corrugated cardboard roll, starch based packing peanuts (they can be reused or melt with a bit of water) together with recycled cardboard boxes. I enlist my lovely husband to help with packing pots as he's so good. We've got a great system going now and are confident that our double boxed packages are being sent out into the world as securely as possibly.