Helen Scribbans

I have had a passion for clay since first doing pottery at school, then later at college. In 1996, after a few career changes, I was delighted to set up my own ceramics studio. I enjoy making hand-built vessels, bowls and dishes and sculptural pieces such as masks & figures, using a white stoneware clay. Inspiration for my work comes mostly from natural forms such as plants, flowers and birds and also from a love of life drawing.

I specialise in Raku firing, which is a traditional Japanese technique: glaze is applied to the pot and fired outdoors in a gas kiln. When the glaze is molten, the pot is removed from the kiln and the cold air hits the glaze causing it to crackle. The piece is placed in a bin with sawdust or newspaper which makes the areas with no glaze go black and also causes colour changes in the glaze.

Raku firing is unpredictable and difficult to control which adds to the excitement of the process. Each piece is unique as the results of the firing are not known until the piece is removed from the ashes.

More recently, I have been experimenting with black stoneware clay and decorating with slip, to produce more functional pieces.

My work can be found in exhibitions and galleries along the south coast and has also featured in ClayCraft magazine.

I am an adult Education Tutor and have been teaching pottery along with other arts & crafts for over 15 years.

Address:  64 Castle Street, Portchester, Fareham, Hampshire PO16 9PX

Home Telephone Number: 02392 385 649

Mobile Telephone Number:  07854 630 930

Website: www.helenscribbans.co.uk

Services:  Weekly term-time classes at Portchester Community School, Fareham

Send Email Message