Michelle Foote Pottery - Open Studios

Decorative and functional ceramics influenced by the beauty and wildness of West Penwith.

Using my traditional Leach kick wheel, local stoneware clay and sometimes porcelain, I produce a wide range of decorative and functional pieces alongside a range of ceramic and silver jewellery (with Keilson, my jeweller husband). I am heavily influenced by the ever changing wild landscape that surrounds me.

My main body of work reflects my love of pattern and texture with a variety of surface decoration techniques utilised. Found natural and man made materials are also used as tools or stamped to create an interesting mark. Favourites include a smooth pebble used for burnishing and an old rusty fisherman’s knife used for faceting pots as it leaves a great effect in the clay. The work created is designed to be very tactile and a pleasure to hold as well as to view.

My West Penwith Landscape Vessels continue to develop and I have, in recent months, been thoroughly enjoying altering wheel thrown pieces to produce abstract pieces that combine larger views with close up detail of places that hold special memories for me. My hope is the viewer feels immersed in the place or landscape through the shapes, colours and textures.

Alongside side all this, I have started painting and carving landscapes on slabs. After painting on curved surfaces for years, these feel very different and I am enjoying creating them.

I teach taster pottery throwing lessons from my home studio for 1 or 2 people as well. They are really good fun in a relaxed environment where you experience throwing on my Leach kick wheel and an electric wheel. Details are on my website.

Once again, I am joining my great friend, Caroline Marwood at her home at Bowl Rock alongside other artists. It’s such an amazing spot set in beautiful gardens with a stunning view to Trencrom. Refreshments and a warm welcome await you.