1. What general skills & techniques do you use? (e.g. throwing etc)
My work is hand built and my main method is pinching. That’s what I enjoy most. Touching the clay gently and pushing here and there to see if anything appears in the clay, is the best part of creating.
2. Tell us a bit about your experience and knowledge
a. Where have you studied and learnt your skills
I started ceramics at evening classes in Canterbury with my husband, Mike. To develop further, I started an MA course in Fine and Applied art at Canterbury Christ Church University as a part time student. However the course was run by a painter and a print-maker, so I didn’t get any ceramics specific teaching. That was great as a result. I did so many experiments during this time. I quit it after one year when I sold most of my work at the end of year show (and gained Postgraduate certificate Ceramics in Fine and Applied Art).
b. How long have you been a potter
I touched clay for the first time in 2008 autumn. I started working a full time in 2013 autumn. So that makes I have been a ceramic artist for 4 years.
c. Who has inspired you along your path
Animals, trees and the sky I have seen. Nature is the biggest inspiration.
3. Explain your work
a. Processes involved e.g. clays used, firing range etc
I use different types of clay for different types of works because the materials, clay, inspired me to create something suited to its properties. ES5 for fine textured works and Crank for simple formed work with strong characters. They are the materials I have used from the beginning, and I know them very well. Bisque firing is up to 950C. Glaze-firing range is between 1220C and 1240C.
b. What has been your proudest piece that you have produced and why
My proudest piece is usually one of my latest works. An Alice mask made for a commission is my current favourite and the most complicated mask I have made, so far.
4. What are your future ambitions?
I like to challenge myself to create more detailed and intricate masks in near future. I am also keen to make taller sculptures as I now have a larger kiln.
Visit their website: www.midoritakaki.co.uk