Arlene Ramage Pottery

Based in  Biggin Hill I am mostly self taught, having previously had a career as radiographer. Working in Brighton I gained an MSc in clinical ultrasound before retiring in 2001 due to health issues. After spending a few years finding a new direction I became inspired by the use of clay to model the human figure I know so well.

I set up my home studio in 2011 and began teaching both throwing and sculpture. As a member of the Kent Potters Association I have taken part in their stand at Art in Clay, Hatfield and Farnham.

My torsos and figurative work are an exploration of the social pressures on women to have the ‘perfect’ body.  Each one is hand built and evolves, some having larger buttocks, or smaller breasts, all having a ‘tummy’ rather than flat abdomen. We all bear the scars of life.  They do not have heads because they could be any one of us.

I like to mix my own glazes, tweaking recipes to obtain the effects of water and nature.  As a lover of the imperfection of life I also love the unpredictability of raku and the earthy tones salt glazing where the path of the flames make its own art.