Micki trained on the Studio Pottery course at Harrow at the beginning of the 1970’s and was there when the famous experiments with salt technology were taking place. These established a new wave of interest in the process and Micki has continued to explore and develop salt glazing ever since.

Most exciting of these developments has been the building of a new kiln last year, which has resulted in a significant change in her work. The kiln is fired for more than 24 hours, using wood and reaches temperatures of around 1300 degrees Celsius. It was designed by Micki with the help of friends to create the possibility of exploring three different atmospheres within the same firing. The oversize firebox allows work to be packed directly in the main fire allowing surface, texture, and colour to be created by layers of ash building up throughout the firing.

In the main salt chamber, work is exposed to the vapours of the salt introduced into the kiln during the higher temperatures of the firing. The salt along with lighter effects of wood ash create a wide range of surface effects. Both the colours and texture on the pots emerging from this chamber are quite different in feel to the pots Micki has made previously. The kiln being cross-draft means that the wood ash is more interactive with exposed areas of the work.

The back chamber firing to a lower temperature and being further away from the salt and firebox allows for a variety of light, soft flashing upon the wares.

Micki, who has been a Fellow of the Craft Potters Association since 1979, has over recent years spent a considerable part of her time holding workshops, lecturing and exhibiting around the world. For example last year she held a firing and demonstration workshop in Maryland, USA and another on Vancouver Island, Canada. As far as exhibitions are concerned, two of her last three solo shows have been in Germany and Australia and besides the UK she has taken part in exhibitions in Holland, France, Eire and the USA. .

Micki will be attending the Private View on Sunday 3rd March and if you would like to come along please use the e-mail link at the top of the page.