I was born and brought up in South Africa. Having trained originally as a graphic designer, I discovered my love of working with clay when I began pottery evening classes in 1982. Before coming to Wales, I enjoyed considerable success as a ceramicist in South Africa with work represented in some of the country’s best known public collections.
I settled in Wales in 1994 and work from a studio in the Model House Craft and Design Centre in Llantrisant, near Cardiff.
I make predominantly classical shapes on the wheel, with spherical forms a particular favourite. While the shapes of my work have a strong classical feel, the emphasis on form and slight exaggeration of the qualities of the shapes give my pieces a contemporary look. My latest vessels explore the interaction between pieces as a small installation.
My pots are saggar-fired in a kiln, where a combination of salt, smoke, copper and sawdust react to produce the subtly flushed and coloured surfaces that give my work a distinctive edge. The difference between the smooth surface finish of my pieces and the use of contrasting textures and colour, is a key indicator of my work.
The influence of my birthplace, in terms of colour, form, and textures is evident in my work. I love Africa and memories of my childhood and the closeness to nature I experienced growing up is still a strong influential factor of my work. However, during my twenty five years of living and working in Wales there have been subtle shifts in my perceptions through exposure to the landscape and culture. I am now integrated and accepted fully as a British ceramicist albeit with African roots.
My work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, both locally and internationally.
I regularly participate in selected ceramic fairs throughout the UK, such as Earth and Fire in Rufford, Art in Clay in Hatfield and Oxford Ceramic Fair. I am a member of the The British Craft Potters Association.
My work is represented, among others, in:
Mimosa Gallery in Llandeilo;
Erwood Station Gallery near Builth Wells;
Moreton Gallery in Moreton-in-Marsh;
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Y Galeri in Caerphilly and
Oriel Cric in Crickhowell.
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CONTACT DETAILS:
Address: Model House, Bull Ring, Llantrisant, CF72 8EB
Email: christinegittins@aol.com
Website: www.christinegittins.com