My ceramics education began in 1985 on the vocational course at Medway College of Art and Design. The course was very traditional, being based on the model established at the Harrow Studio Pottery Course. Inevitably I cut my teeth on the Leach approach and attitude towards the craft. I am sure many people remember, as I do, the struggle involved in mastering the six-inch cylinder. At the end of each day the tutor; in my case Mike Goddard, would squash the lot (or maybe leave one or two if you were lucky) saying, 'Not too bad, a bit thick at the bottom, try again tomorrow.' The thought of getting a voodoo doll occured to me on several occasions. Somewhere in a small corner at the back of my mind I knew what he was putting me through was probably good for me.After leaving Medway I worked for eight years throwing production flowerpots; five years for other potters and three for myself running a small rural workshop. I have always been addicted to throwing, as I find turning and glazing tiresome; being paid for just sitting on the wheel throwing (often with someone else employed to wedge, 'ball up' clay and take away finished pots) was my idea of heaven. Running my own business seemed the natural progression but after three years I realised it was not for me. Throwing 15-20 tonnes of clay per year and just about scraping a living was too consuming and too many sacrifices both personal and artistic had to be made.
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