CRAIG UNDERHILL

I have been a practicing ceramic artist for over 30 years. I make hand-built vessel forms with painterly surfaces. I like the making process to be evident in my work so joins, edges and steps in the rim become an important part of the aesthetic of a piece of my work. I use the vessel form as a canvas and to this I apply a range of mark making techniques and processes often incorporating an experimental approach to using materials to create pieces that amalgamate form and surface that evokes a feeling of landscape, place and the passing of time. Ultimately, I want my work to be appreciated as 3-dimensional ceramic paintings made with a mixed media approach to ceramic materials.

My work has always been influenced by my surroundings and my need to understand my place in the landscape. The landscape of Cornwall was an influence before I came to live in Cornwall but now that I live here I feel a more genuine connection to it and a greater understanding of its history and unique diversity.

Although I have taught for many years alongside my art practice, I gave up formal teaching 5 years ago when I moved to Cornwall, I now make my living from my ceramic practice alone. Teaching is now limited to a few days of workshops a year at places like La Meridiana Ceramic School in Tuscany and The Ceramic Studio in Kent.

I have shown my work at galleries around the country and abroad and until recently I have been represented in St Ives by Porthminster Gallery and before that by Plumbline Gallery. I regularly take part in well established Ceramic Fairs around the country, these include Ceramic Art London, Oxford Ceramic Fair, Potfest and Celebrating Ceramics.