William Parkes
Details
How would you describe the work you do and why?
I throw planters of various sizes and designs taking as a starting point the classic Victorian proportion and range. Whilst having a pronounced design element and attention to detail, it is balanced by a freshness to the throwing, fusing formality and freedom. A rich red clay is high fired to produce strong colour and durability, appropriate to the light and climate of the British Isles. I also make tableware using stoneware and porcelain clay. As with my terracotta I intend the form of the pot to be the main feature, letting the precise nature of the making speak of a hard-won fluidity and imperfect human hand. They are dishwasher and microwave safe, intended for everyday use, to keep the everyday at bay
Describe what you call yourself/your practice?:
Potter.
CV & Education, relevant & leading to your artistic practice:
I have been making terracotta garden ware for more than three decades now. For many years at Brook Street Pottery and then at my own workshop, Hay-on-Wye Pottery. It started in the 1980’s by studying for a degree in Economics and beginning work at an investment bank in the city. At this point I remembered my passion for making real things, with my hands, and pottery in particular. I had taken ceramics for ‘A’ level at school but never imagined it was something you could have as a career. So I went on a course, bought a potter’s wheel, and soon found myself in the countryside making terracotta. I have been here ever since.
I also make tableware using stoneware and porcelain clay. As with my terracotta I intend the form of the pot to be the main feature, letting the precise nature of the making speak of a hard-won fluidity but imperfect human hand. They are microwave and dishwasher safe, intended for everyday use, to keep the everyday at bay.
Your gallery outlets/stockists:
Hay-on-Wye Pottery.
Hay Makers.