Born in Suffolk and raised between the marshlands of Suffolk and the valleys and mountains of Wales, Jane grew up surrounded by creativity. With an illustrator and potter for a mother and an author for a father, making has always been part of her story.⁠

Now based in rural Co. Clare, Jane is a completely self-taught ceramic artist. Rather than using glazes, she treats clay as a canvas, drawing directly into the surface of unfired forms and building layers of oxides and stains through multiple firings.⁠

What’s a typical day in the studio like for you?

Coffee first, (vital) as I sit and contemplate my day, which could be anything from tidying my studio prior to beginning new work, to deciding on what direction to take next, to completeting work in progress, or loading/unloading the kiln, or working into the surface of recently fired work. There is no typical day as such.

What do you like most about your work?

I mostly like drawing into and texturing the surface of my unfired work, then using oxides to paint onto it both before the initial firing, then adding further oxides and slips in between the further firings. I get very excited and absorbed by the process, as well as the uncertainty and successful outcomes.

What do you like least about your work?

Reconstituting clay!

What’s your favourite craft item in your home?

I have so many favorites, from my own pieces which I sometimes keep because I cant bear to part from them, to my departed mothers own pottery, to ceramics gifted or purchased from friends.

Tell us about the first craft item you made

Probably an odd looking animal made in my mothers pottery at the age of about six.

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration apart from the above listed artists, is whenever I walk along the coast gazing at rock formations, the ocean, and watching birds especially crows.

What’s the most challenging part of your craft?

Trying to decide what to start on next. I am a terrible procrastinator.

Is sustainability an important aspect of your business?

As much as is feasible. I have a massive tub of off-bits of clay which is squidgy and horrible to get my hands into, but I re-use all that I can. I do multi-fire my work, but at a very low temp (1050) which saves wear and tear on my kiln despite the work often being fired 5 or 6 times.

Have you ever had a “happy accident” while making something?

Oh God…all the time ! I never really know how things will turn out until they do. Sometimes its a reasonably expected outcome, but as I never take notes (blame it on my rebellious nature) but rely on experience and my knowledge of the materials, I try and constantly push the boundaries. Often resulting in me dancing around the studio in delight after opening the kiln.

What made you choose your discipline?

Probably in an abstract way my mother. She never taught me as such, because I was a lousy student, but I must have absorbed enough enthusiasm from my early days for working in clay to come naturally to me.

What’s the most challenging part of your craft?

Trying to decide what to start on next. I am a terrible procrastinator.

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a DCCI member?

‘Do’.

How do you balance creativity with the business side of things?

Umm…thats a moot point. I wish I was more businesslike. I would rather be creative.

Favourite book?

Thats an impossible question. I have so many.

Favourite film?

Again impossible. But I have recently watched The Silver Branch , a beautifully poetic film about the Burren.

Best concert you have ever been to?

Martyn Hayes every time.

What do you listen to?

Cafe Orchestra, Mozart, Buena Vista, Vivaldi. It all depends on whether I need to slow down and concentrate, or I am at a stage where I need more energy while I work.