Fraser Burchill

I joined the Essex Craft Society around 2010 having moved out of London to North Essex. It was great to meet some very talented like-minded makers with a wide variety of skills. The society’s selection committee were gracious enough to see my portfolio and let me join. At this time I was still working at Londons South Bank making Props for the National Theatre. So my pottery and woodturning was, in a way, an aside to the professional full-time job I had. Having the opportunity to exhibit at least annually with the Craft Society was a great motivator then, as it is now.

My pots are typically domestic stoneware, so mostly practical things like: mugs, bowls, vases and the like. Though I have rarely withdrawn from a challenge, so always look forward to trying out new techniques and developing into other areas. I have plans to do more hand built pieces this year having up to now focused largely on my thrown work.

I am in the process of building an extension to my studio, which when complete will give me the option to teach. The look and style of the work I make to sell is generally turquoise outer body and shiny white inside with a white upper outer band and a ‘shore-line’ of natural clay-body between the two. I have come to this design after many variations. This look, for me, suggests a number of things; shore to sea and sand/ natural horizons/ peace and calm. I regularly consider whether I’ve ever met an angry potter?

I hope seeing and or owning my work can illicit something of an easy pleasure for you too.