Personal Details

Web Site:
www.edgeceramics.co.uk

My Recent Images

Biography

Hi, my name is Steve Valentine and I run a small contemporary ceramics studio/workshop from Shap. My ceramics are inspired by the stunning Cumbrian landscapes which surround my studio. Each time I create one of my ceramics, it becomes a one-off piece; unique and unusual every time. I hand-build all my ceramics which gives each one a character all of its own. Working like this remains one of my biggest inspirations in what I create. I graduated in June 2005 at the age of 41 with an HND with Distinction in Ceramics, and quickly found my way back home to my "northern" roots.

All of my work is created using a heavily grogged "crank" clay fired all the way up to stoneware - 1260 degrees centigrade. This gives them a robust, raw quality which I admire. My range includes a small tea light holder right through to larger scale sculptural ceramics for the home and garden. Evertything I create is landscape and/or organic in form, this forms the basis for very versatile and daring pieces. I use only natural oxides to colour my ceramics and two of my own different glazes to coat them. All the mark making and surface design is created using naturally found things like driftwood and pebbles. Living where I do in the eastern fells, gives me no end of inspiration whatever the season may be. My studio and home is based in an old victorian workhouse on the edge of the Lake District National Park. My "pallette" is right on my doorstep.

I run small group ceramic workshops in the summer months and plan to get involved more in community projects in my region this summer.

Artist Details

Practice Type:
Craftperson / Maker,

Artist Practice:
Ceramic,

Artist fields and interests:
Arts & Health, Community Art, Contemporary, Disability Arts, Education and young people, Environmental and land art, Workshops,

Areas of Experience:
Exhibition Hanging, International commissions / exchanges,

Interested in exchanging skills with other artists?
Yes