jean sampson

After a fairly ambulatory career, I am now living in Builth Wells, Powys. Currently I am based  at Mid Wales Arts, Caersws, where I run weekly ceramics skills courses and longer wood fire weekends. I also teach at Cabalva pottery, near Hay on Wye.

The MWA kiln is the first of it's type in the UK. Designed by French potter Jean Girel in response to the climate crisis, it uses less wood and fires in less time than similar sized kilns. It also incorporates features to cut down on the smoke produced during reduction and the effort needed to physically load and fire the kiln. I was inspired to research and then build this kiln after taking part in Anagama- type firings where I was shocked by the amount of wood thrown to the fire and the stress in reaching top temperatures, and by the need to find a sustainable alternative to firing with gas.

I work with both porcelain and stoneware clays and enjoy the challenge of working on a larger scale with both. My work is always functional and made with a purpose.