My interest in clay started as a hobby whilst my children were growing up and later, to make it my career, I studied B Tech Design Craft Ceramics at Norfolk College of Arts and Technology. I joined Northern Potters Association, then East Anglian Potters, and later became an Associate member of the Craft Potters Association. The contacts and exchanges made at meeting with these groups both helped and stimulated me to open Westfield Pottery. I became very interested in smoke fired pots, and was inspired by the shapes of early Neolithic pottery found in parts of the British Isles and pottery from Northern Nigeria. I was also fascinated by the decoration made by smoke and have always admired the work of the Hopi Indians of Arizona. I have exhibited my coil built, burnished smoke fired pots at numerous venues with East Anglian Potters, also at Clay Works VI , and at the Victoria and Albert Museum with the Craft Potters Association. I also enjoyed being part of ‘Picture This’ at the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. A move to Holland enabled me to exhibit abroad, and during this time I gained a Workshop Ceramic Certificate at Westminster University. When I returned to England I obtained a teaching diploma, and taught Adult education evening classes and B Tech students at Norfolk College. Following a move to Somerset I took a break from making smoke fired pots but still continued working with clay, focussing on slab building, throwing, mold making and slip casting, and I obtained a certificate from The Sculpture School. I then started teaching again in my workshop at Grattons Farm. I have recently been developing new ideas for my smoke fired work, I am now a member of West Country Potters Association and have exhibited with them at Bovey Tracy and Tavistock Ceramic Craft Fair. I am constantly developing new ideas and enjoy teaching and passing on skills, and I look forward to exhibiting as a member of North Somerset Arts.