At 13, I gave up art at school to take all the so-called “academic” subjects. This always rankled, as I loved art. When I gave up working, I made up for lost time. London art schools ran courses in the holidays. Ceramics, which I hadn’t done before, had me hooked!
I love the feel of clay. Some clays for sculpting have a coarser texture whereas porcelain is very smooth. I smoke fire some of my work (raku) which is very unpredictable. The glazing process can be a voyage of discovery too. I work with flowers, leaves, bark, old lace, seashells, found objects & even feathers to imprint into the clay. I make things that I hope raise a smile – highland cattle, ceramic watercolour sets & doll’s house size tables set for breakfast feature!
I have a small workshop/studio in Salisbury which is a great & friendly place to practise and enjoy art in all its forms.
I find ceramics offers so much scope for continual learning & experimentation. I want to progress further into the science of ceramics, especially mixing my own glazes. Maybe not entirely surprising for the daughter of a research chemist who was also a keen amateur artist!
Heather Olsen – Potter and Artist
The Workshop (open by appointment)
29 Greencroft Street
Salisbury SP1 1JF
07801 559746
heatherolsen428@gmail.com
