THE PROCESS
Celebrating the Imperfect
Heather’s pottery is a testament to the beauty of handcrafted imperfection. Rather than seeking perfection, Heather embraces the natural variations that occur through altering, carving, and atmospheric firing. Her work is deeply tactile—made to be held, used, and cherished, with surfaces that reveal the energy of their making.
A PHILOSOPHY OF MAKING
Heather’s approach is rooted in tradition yet driven by exploration. While she begins her process on the wheel, her forms are rarely left untouched. Instead, she cuts, alters, and reshapes them off the round—introducing movement, irregularity, and a sense of history into each piece.
By pinching rims, darting clay, and carving away excess material, she creates forms that feel organic, lived-in, and deeply personal. Every tool mark, slip layer, and kiln firing tells a story of process—what David Pye calls the “workmanship of risk”, where the maker’s intuition and skill determine the final outcome.
This way of working allows for a dialogue between control and chance, where unexpected beauty emerges through responsive, intentional craftsmanship.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Heather’s tools are as intentional as her process. While many ceramic tools are mass-produced, she prefers to craft her own from repurposed materials, creating a direct link between maker and mark.
SODA KILN
Heather fires her work in a soda kiln, allowing flame and sodium carbonate to shape each piece. This atmospheric process creates rich patinas, organic textures, and natural variations. By carefully placing her work in the kiln, she guides the surface effects, ensuring each piece develops its own unique depth and character.
HANDMADE TRIMMING TOOL
Crafted from bandsaw blades and locally sourced wood, each tool is designed to complement specific curvatures of her forms.
A WELL-WORN POCKETKNIFE
Given to Heather by her grandfather, this well-worn knife is more than a tool—it’s a connection to her earliest lessons in craftsmanship. As a child, she carved willow whistles by his side, learning patience, precision, and the beauty of working with her hands. Now, she uses the same knife to carve the feet of her pots, a daily reminder of the quiet traditions that shaped her approach to making.
POTTER’S WHEEL
While the wheel is where many of Heather’s pieces begin, it serves as only the first step in her process. She throws simple forms before cutting, altering, and reshaping them by hand, ensuring each piece carries a sense of movement, irregularity, and human touch.
A selection of Heather’s latest pieces, exploring refined forms, surface treatments, and atmospheric firing techniques. These works highlight her continued evolution in craftsmanship and design.
