Helen Mc Cormick

A Welsh ceramicist and art teacher living in Devon. My hand-built ceramic vessels are strongly influenced by the coast and my time living, teaching and travelling in South East Asia. My forms are inspired by my first-hand experience of bulbous and curvaceous shapes found in many of the countries I travelled through. Using traditional methods, Helen explores the plasticity of the clay, and the relationship between the maker and material. Beginning with a simple pinch pot, I coil each vessel over a few days so that there is time to reflect before adding the next coil. Once leather-hard, she turns back the form by hand carving excess clay away, using a mirror and turntable to achieve a symmetrical tactile form. My latest work explores the South West Coastline, by using small samples of sand from locations, which has been wedged into the clay, creating texture, colour and through firing - permanency, preserving the sand, which creates a stronger connection to each location. The surface of the form is achieved by mixing my own glaze and slip, which is applied using various methods. Copper is the main colourant. Due to the ethical issues surrounding mining, I have just started experimenting with creating my own verdigris pigment through using old copper piping. My hope is to create a colour to match my current glaze, creating a flux of blues and greens that reflects the richness of the ocean.

Helen studied a BA in 3D Design at Exeter School of Art in 1996-1999 and a MA in Ceramics in Cardiff in 2003-2004. Helen is also a member of the West Country Potters Association and South Wales Potters, and associate member of Craft Potters Association.