Michelle Foote – Pottery - Open Studios

Decorative wheel thrown stoneware and porcelain work influenced by the beauty and wildness of West Penwith.

Using my traditional Leach kickwheel, local white stoneware clay and porcelain I produce a range of decorative and functional work alongside a range of ceramic and silver jewellery (with my silversmith husband, Keilson) that is heavily influenced by the ever changing ancient wild landscape that surrounds me.

My main body of work shows my love of repeat pattern and texture on which I use a variety of surface pattern decoration techniques such as sgraffito, carving, hand painting, inlay and slip trailing.

Found natural and manmade objects discovered on my local beach walks are often used as tools or to add interest such as smooth pebbles, cockle shells, an old fisherman’s knife or weathered plastic.

Ultimately, the work I create isn’t to just be viewed but to be held with the recipient experiencing the piece with curiosity and intrigue as they explore the created patterns.

Additionally, my West Penwith landscape vessels continue to evolve. These larger thrown pieces represent the essence of the vast wild moorland. To achieve this result, a more painterly approach is required with layers of slip, oxides and glazes applied on the carved surface. The finished vessel should make the viewer feel as if they are immersed in the landscape.

My jewellery range started with large handmade carved and textured stoneware beads which are incorporated with bold silver shapes in statement necklaces. Alongside this I have been producing smaller hand painted porcelain beads used in necklaces and earrings.

Basically, I love working (playing) with clay. The exploration and creativity it affords is endless and I hope to share this with you on your visit during Open Studios.