A self-taught ceramicist, I work from my garden studio in Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes, creating ceramics hand-thrown on the potter's wheel using locally produced St Agnes clay, sourced from less than a mile away.

I began exploring wheel-thrown ceramics in March 2022, inspired by the rugged landscape of the North Cornish coast and Trevaunance Cove. My work focuses on creating minimal forms that reflect the natural beauty of my surroundings. The engine houses and chimney stacks around the cove, with their straight lines tapering up, are a reminder of Cornwall's mining heritage, while the weathered pebbles scattered on the beach shape my aesthetic.

All my work is finished in muted satin matte glazes that reflect the natural colours of St Agnes, drawing from the North Cornish Sea, seaweeds, ferns, granite, and slate.

Beyond traditional glazing, my ceramic journey has also led me to explore alternative firing and decorative techniques, particularly saggar firing in an electric kiln. Using this lesser-known technique, I place ceramics in wheel-thrown containers (saggars) filled with locally foraged combustible materials, such as Cornish elm, seaweeds from Trevaunance Cove, and oxides. During firing, these materials ignite, creating unique patinas and evoking landscapes of land and sea.

The finished pieces are sealed with liquid quartz, an innovative and environmentally friendly product that preserves the natural colours and creates a watertight, satin matte finish. This allows the pieces to be both decorative and functional, suitable for holding water for fresh-cut flowers—unlike many traditionally sealed ceramics.

Through these methods, I strive to create a conscious collection that celebrates the beauty and sustainability of local materials while offering an alternative to traditional glazing.

My journey with clay began in my final year of secondary school, where my tutor encouraged me to try as many techniques as possible. Many years later, I rekindled my passion for ceramics, attending evening classes at college for six months to study and absorb as much technical knowledge as possible. Over the past five years, I have built my studio and invested in equipment, finally returning to the wheel in April 2022.

Clay runs deep in my family history. My Great Grandfather, Peter Steedman, born in 1864, worked as a potter alongside his brothers at Gray’s Pottery in Musselburgh until its closure in 1928. He later joined Gray’s Pottery in Portobello, which became Buchan Potteries. Working with white stoneware clay, he witnessed the transition to glassware and believed it marked the end of stoneware for domestic use—a poignant reflection on the evolution of pottery.

Great Grandfather, Peter Steedman far left with his brothers, taken in overalls at Grays Pottery, Musselburgh

You can follow my Instagram account for my latest progress or Pinterest.