Anne Morrison

These pieces frequently begin with a beautiful piece of driftwood or an eye-catching pebble or a twig discovered while beach combing along the shores of the River Clyde. A smooth-worn piece of driftwood might become incorporated into the piece as a handle feature, or the shape of a pebble might become the inspiration behind the shape of a pot.

Anne uses the ‘Raku’ firing process which originates in Japan. It is traditionally used for making pots for tea ceremonies. The Japanese pots are hand-shaped rather than thrown, although she uses both techniques. The key characteristic of these pots is the random, crackled finish. Ceramics fired using the Raku method achieve a stunningly intense colouration and unique, random surface patterning. The quantity of oxygen reaching the pottery, along with smoke and carbon trails combine to create these eye-catching, tessellating, veiny effects.

The Raku process involves firing pottery at low temperatures and then removing it from the kiln whilst still glowing hot. It is then left to cool in the open air, at a faster rate than if left in the kiln. Anne uses particular glazes (not lead) which further enhance the crackled look.

Anner’s interest in ceramics began when, as a teenager, she watched someone throwing clay, and she subsequently went on to train in Ceramics.

The sea and shoreline have always been a source of inspiration for Anne’s work. As a child, she spent summers with her family around Scotland’s many lochs and beaches and she would return from days by the sea with pockets jangling full of seashells, pebbles and treasures.