Jan Lye

I make sea themed pots mainly from slabs of white Scarva stoneware clay which are cut to shape using a cardboard template, freely pulled into shape or combined with sprig or press moulds. Oxides are brushed and wiped into lines or textures for emphasis and stains and glazes are then sprayed over each other to give subtle gradations of colour. The pots are then fired in an electric kiln to 1180°C/1200°C with a fifteen minute soak. Inspiration evolves from driftwood, found things, the ebb and flow of the sea and the effect it has on the seashore of the beautiful Devon landscape. I try to capture and recreate the reflected light and colour of the sky on wet sand, oddly trapped pebbles or the carved impressions of retreating waves as decoration for my unique, sculptural but functional ceramics.