CRAFTS ALIVE - Ceramics by Ian Ward

As a potter, living and working in south Wales, UK, I mainly produce work for sale in galleries and some craft shops, across the UK.
I have worked with local support groups to run ceramics activity days for children and also taught adults. I am currently teaching an adult to throw a pot on the wheel through the medium of Welsh for a television programme on S4C. I often take my 'Shimpo' electric wheel to craft events and soon become booked up helping people to 'throw' a pot.
I sell at many events thoughout the year, including the Tredegar house ceramics show, the Royal Welsh Show, the Eisteddfod, and others. I have provided activities in schools for time limited projects. Occasionally I am asked to demonstrate and discuss ceramics for local interest groups etc.

I moved to South Wales in 2002 and set up a studio and workshop.
My work is currently sold throughout Wales, in Bristol and London and at various events throughout the year. More information can be found on the following pages. I have also posted examples of my current work which is usually updated bi-monthly. Feel free to contact me if you would like any information or wish to discuss a commission.
Based near Swansea I enjoy dog walking up in the mountains and at the coast on Gower and camping in Pembrokeshire.

As a self taught artist I continue to enjoy both the technical challenges of ceramics alongside the freedom to pursue and develop my own ideas which has shaped my own style of work.. Taking risks and pushing ideas can lead to welcome developments in work.

Based on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, I am inspired by natural forms, structures and textures like rock, tree bark, ice, and how the process of weathering effects surfaces. I love the patterns of structure found in things like seeds, lichen, moss so these things also influence my work. I enjoy hand building and throwing on a wheel. I often cut and join sections of thrown work to assemble a form.
I mix my own stoneware glazes with the aim of reflecting the earthy qualities of these materials, with the stone-like surface textures and muted, softer tones that I prefer.

My pieces are usually decorated at the leather or dry stage with a range of oxides or stains, then scratching geometric or organic designs through the surface into the form adding a textural dimension.
Work is then bisquit fired to 1000c before dipping or brushing or using a home-made spray booth to apply glazes, depending on the shape of the form and glaze properties. The stoneware firings are between 1230c - 1270c in an oxidising atmosphere.

For more information, please contact:

Ian Ward Ceramics
Tan Y Mynydd
Rhiwfawr
Swansea
SA9 2RP

Tel: 01639 830509

Email: ian@iansian.wanadoo.co.uk

www.ianwardceramics.com

Crafts Alive Ltd, 74 Rhosmaen Street, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, SA19 6EN

Tel: 01558 822883