ShapeShift Ceramics

I create a range of creative but unfussy and functional pots that I aim to instill with plenty of character as an antidote to anonymous and bland factory-made products.

Spontaneous throwing, varied and tactile forms, and dynamic glazes are some of what I feel make a pot intriguing and vital. I hope to reach people that prefer their day-to-day objects to be interesting, unique and display the touch of their creator.

A self-confessed glaze addict, my process includes a lot of testing of new formulae seeking that little bit of magic. I mix all my own glazes and have a diverse colour pallet largely based on iron and copper in gas reduction and electric oxidation kiln firings. I generally avoid other metals for their potential toxicity (more in the studio than in glazes), and focus on food safety — only putting stable, no-risk glazes on food surfaces. I use ash from my wood stove for interesting, flowing glazes.

My major influences include modern and historical Asian ceramics — in particular Japan, but also Korea and China. In the US and UK, potters like the late, great Phil Rogers, Jim Malone and Michael Hunt and Naomi Dalglish of Bandana Pottery are all gifted artists whose artistry and ethos I aspire to.

Practical stuff

The maker’s mark you’ll see stamped on all the pots is derived from the Anglo-Saxon/Norse runic alphabet symbol for ‘D’, representing my first initial. It also resembles an infinity loop, a reminder of the vast variety of forms that can be achieved with the amazing medium of clay.

I’m taking steps to reduce my environmental impact by constantly working to create a set of beautiful glazes for mid-fire temperatures (around 1220C) in the electric kiln, and firing to higher temperatures with gas only when I have to for certain glaze effects.

A big near-future plan includes building a small wood-burning kiln, which would use waste off-cuts from sawmills and from managed forest felling. In effect, this wood would regrow and be carbon neutral over time.

For shipping, the packing process uses all sustainable materials, including recyclable paper-based box, recycled card product padding, and biodegradable cellulose packing tape. If you should find bubble wrap in your box, I will be reusing it from packages I received.

ShapeShift Ceramics work can be bought via Etsy at the moment — a link can be found here. Orders can be shipped worldwide.