Sunnyhill Ceramics

Aim

To produce my own work, create workshops, set up a studio and "pop-up pottery" to take on the road. My aim is to make art accessible to all.

I have always had a love of art and after enrolling on a Art & Design course at a local college, I tried pottery for the very first time and instantly knew this was what I needed in my life!

I was fortunate enough to study Ceramics at university, however during this time I started to realise the lack of options for those interested in the medium (particularly in Scotland). 

I feel the opportunities for people to try pottery first-hand are on the decline but as evidenced by the popularity of shows such as the Great British Throwdown, there is still a significant interest in the craft. I never got the chance to throw mud until I was in my mid-twenties as there was no pottery available at any of my schools. 

As we all know funding is being cut in the arts and unfortunately it means more and more people are missing out in the joy of making. I truly wish I found pottery earlier as it has hugely benefited my mental and physical well-being, this is something I wish to share with as many people as possible. In the past I have had issues with my own mental health and in 2017 I was diagnosed with M.E - my art has helped me through these challenges. It's true what they say, potters really are the nicest people in the world. 

I have very recently found a space to rent at a local studio where I will be working hard to further develop my skills and produce more of my own work. Whilst I spend as much time as I can building my portfolio I will be working on my long-term goals.

Stage 1: Establishing myself as a maker

• Buy my own tools and materials
• Set up a website to advertise and sell my work
• Create links with local schools, communities, galleries and colleges

Stage 2: Setting up my own space

• Turn the available space in my garden into a first studio
• Buy a kiln and potter's wheel - secondhand to keep costs down
• Start providing lessons - either at my studio or visiting locations in the area

Stage 3: Taking art to the people

• Find a van that could be turned into a "pop-up pottery"
• Fit van out with equipment needed
• Travel the region and bring pottery to rural communities, schools, colleges etc - anywhere that doesn't have their own facilities
• Set up a full time studio space that can be used by the local community

I know I might be aiming high but I feel these are very realistic goals and with the help of fundraising I believe I can at least move closer towards my dream of making art more accessible, while retaining the proud and historic traditions of pottery within the UK.

This project successfully funded on 27th April 2020