Grace Birkett Kenrick
About
What I love most about ceramics is the challenge of finding the balance of form and function to create a beautiful object that's fit for purpose, giving it a life of its own and the power to bring sensual pleasure to everyday moments in the life of its user. I use texture and mark-making, slips, and glazes to create complex surfaces that want to be touched.
I am now based in London after 8 years of living abroad and working as a teacher in Spain and Italy. I discovered ceramics 5 years ago, whilst living in Barcelona, where I began an apprenticeship with traditional earthenware potter Mario Leal. I never looked back and continued to study pottery in Granada and Tuscany before returning to my hometown with plans to finally set up my own studio.
Education is a big part of my philosophy as a potter, I enjoy teaching as much as I enjoy learning more every day about this age-old craft. Recently I have found it particularly exciting firing with wood and introducing local clay slips and ash glazes into my work. For me, materials and firing processes are key as I strive to find a balance between earthy strength and fragility in my pots.
Recent works
sHINO BOTTLES
ASH GLAZE
I make functional pots with tactile surfaces through which materials and firing processes can sing without interference.
WILD CLAY
How I Work
I work predominantly on the potters wheel to form my pots, using stoneware clays, wild clay slips and my own glazes formulated from non toxic materials.
I am familiar with and use a variety of firing techniques, including gas reduction, wood firing, soda firing, smoke and pit firing as well as electric kilns.
Education and training
workshops teaching and events
Work for sale at Artists and Makers Showcase. Photo by Sophie le Roux
Workshop in Mallorca
Get in touch
For Workshops, private classes, commissions, and any other queries, I'd love to hear from you!
gracekenrick@gmail.com