Shirley Smith

Collected stones, pebbles and rock formations inform my current work. Using traditional hand building methods of pinching, coiling and moulding I construct simple, tactile forms with surface finishes emulating the smooth and the sea worn. The repetitive patterns of a shingle beach or the patterning found on an individual stone are inscribed in sgraffito or water etched into the clay body. I have recently begun experimenting with alternative firing methods including smoke firing and obvara and horsehair raku.