Welcome

About my pots

I began making pots in the mid 70s because I could no longer afford to pay for the ever increasing number of pots that I required for my growing collection of bonsai. Most of these early pots were made using the slabbing technique. The slabs were hand-rolled and usually very thick and the pots made to precise dimensions and an engineered finish. I also used the traditional Japanese and Chinese pots for inspiration. It was not until several years later that I began using coils of clay placed around slabbed bases to make my pots and I slowly digressed from the traditional shapes and experimented with new ideas. I found this technique very versatile albeit time-consuming. Working with clay in this way was very relaxing and I soon found that I had to work with the clay, at its pace. I could not rush the process or things would soon go wrong. Very therapeutic!

I was soon asked whether I had any pots for sale and friends asked me to make pots for specific trees. Working to commission was very challenging especially as it was my policy and guarantee to make every pot different. The coiling technique is especially suited to this as variations can so easily be achieved both in the building of the pot as well as in creating any desired surface textures.

During all of this time I constantly experimented with different glaze recipes and made several hundred tests in order to create the exact colours and textures. This is very much an on-going thing and I am constantly trying out different combinations of the raw glazing compounds. This is very exciting work if at times frustrating as so much can go wrong! But every now and again a mistake may end up as a 'happy accident' resulting in a super glaze effect.

I apply my glazes to the biscuited pots in a number ways which may involve dipping, pouring, painting, sponging, spraying or a combination of several of these methods and whilst I am quite happy to share most of my knowledge and experiences I keep my glaze recipes and glazing techniques a closely guarded secret. The processes I use to achieve the variety of surface effects and colours on the pots are rarely straightforward and usually involve a number of hand-applied techniques. These processes are complex and often very time-consuming. But as with any art, if you want the result you have to put in the time and technique and of course there is the added requirement...creativity and innovation.

The images show a small selection of pots I have made over the past few years. Pots to accommodate all sorts of bonsai species and styles. I usually make about 50 - 70 pots a year and unfortunately the number is slowly dropping as the arthritis in my hands is making the building process increasingly difficult.

I am always happy to discuss pot requirements and accept new commissions for pots for specific trees provided I can manage the size and my hands don't give out on me. There is no obligation to buy the pot if you are not entirely satisfied with it. So there is nothing to lose