Jacky John’s work is mainly functional kitchenware. She hand throws her stoneware pots on the potters wheel and uses high firing glazes in a reduction atmosphere to create beautiful, exciting finishes.

Handmade porcelain items.

I love working with clay and wood, with all the textures, colours, the rough and the

smooth.

I enjoy both mediums as they allow me to be playful, and evoke so much energy

and passion from the heart. I go with the flow, inspired by nature’s natural art, so

every piece is unique. My art is ever evolving as I am.

I studied my ceramics degree at both St Martins in London from 2003 and

completed it at Bath University. It took me another 21 years before I was able to

start making, as I was busy bringing up my son and running my own business. So at

last, aged 60 I was ready to get going, I built my workshops and a year later I really

got started.

What I haven’t done yet, but would love to is to also work with any creative ideas

you may have, and see if I can transfer your thoughts into a piece for your home or

garden. So please feel free to discuss your ideas!

Kate was born in West Africa to Irish parents. She graduated with a degree in fashion design from Central St Martins in 1990, and set up her pottery business in 1992, after her ex-husband, potter Duncan Ayscough, introduced her to the joys of painting ceramics. They moved from London to Bethlehem in Wales in 1993. Kate now produces majolica glazed earthenware table ware and tiles in her studio in the middle of Llandeilo. She has sold her work in Liberty, The Conran Shop, Macy's New York and lots of other shops and galleries across the world. Nowadays Kate concentrates on creating tile murals and personalised commemorative plates and mugs to commission. She has been commissioned to make work for King Charles, Madonna, Roger Daltrey, Robbie Williams, Rick Astley and many other famous and not so famous customers! Kate has also had five novels published by Hachette in the UK as well in the US, Germany and Norway.

I studied ceramics at Cardiff College of Art from 1971-1974. I set up my first studio in Wenvoe during my last year at college. In 1975 I established my current studio in Talog, Carmarthen and have lived and worked here happily ever since. Over the years I have built several wood fired kilns ranging from 30 cu.ft. to 200 cu.ft. I built my present kiln a 150 cu.ft. gas fired beast with soda ports in 1990. I make all my own clays and glazes.

Most of my work is started on the wheel and from there can go through many changes. The pots can be cut, distorted, rebuilt or even left as simple thrown forms. I apply slips and burnish the pieces prior to raku firing.