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Robert Ayton was introduced to studio ceramics in
the 1980's by the late Albert Shelley, who ran a pottery in Norfolk. It was Shelley's
enthusiasm and knowledge that inspired Robert to begin potting himself. He is
largely self taught but did attend courses run by Phil Rogers and John
Maltby, with the latter still being a significant influence on his method of
making. Although Robert hasn't worked in Japan he did spend three
weeks there in 1993 when he visited the ancient Japanese kiln sites of Bizen,
Iga and Shigaraki. He also went to Mashiko, where he had arranged a visit to
see Tatsuzo Shimaoka, the Living National Treasure and former pupil of Shoji
Hamada. This proved memorable and at the end of the visit Shimaoka gave
Robert two teabowls as a gift. (I know I'm envious too)
Certainly the
idiosyncratic pottery produced in the ancient kilns of 16th century Japan has lead to Robert
producing the hand-built functional pottery he does today. In their
production he uses craft crank clay and simple glazes produced using wood
ash, clay and feldspar. These are applied by pouring, splashing and painting
but perhaps the secret is that they are usually fired in a reduction
atmosphere two or even three times.
Robert was one
of the two potters who took part in the East meets West exhibition at the
Harlequin Gallery during October 2002 and supplied 12 teabowls/yunomis for
“Teabowls 2006” exhibition.
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