70 How did you get into pottery? When did you begin? Ever since it aired, I’ve watched the Great Pottery Throw Down on TV, so pottery was always a craft I wanted to try my hand at. The opportunity came about four years ago when my sister-in-law booked us into a local class. At first, I thought I’d just give it a go, but as soon as I touched the wheel, that was it - I was completely obsessed. It felt like coming home to a part of myself I didn’t even know was missing. There’s something magical about turning mud into something beautiful. Have you always been creative? Yes, always. Creativity has snuck its way into every corner of my life - from acting on stage to decorating cakes to, now, building spooky vases, amongst other things, in my home studio. Even as a kid, art was my favourite subject in school - I was always the one elbow-deep in PVA glue or poster paint. I think I’ve always felt most like myself when I’m making something, especially things that tell a story or spark a smile. Do you now have your own studio? Talk us through your style and what you enjoy creating. I do! I now work full-time as a potter from a small studio at home in Belfast. It’s a bit chaotic at times, I could definitely do with more space, but it’s mine. My cat, Buster, can usually be found trying to nap on my workbench, there’s clay on every surface, and at least one half-finished experiment perched on a shelf. My style is varied - on one hand, it’s playful and expressive, and on the other, it’s simple and aesthetically pleasing. I love exploring memory, place, identity, queerness, and themes of childhood and fantasy in my work. Think spooky fairytale meets warm hug, with the odd sheep thrown in for good measure. For a newbie, how do they get started? Sign up for a class and just have a go! There’s no better way to learn than to get your hands dirty - literally. You don’t need to know anything about pottery to start, and you certainly don’t need to be ‘good’ at it. The first pot I ever made looked like a deflated scone, and I was still thrilled with it. Just give it a try, and remember, wobbly is charming. What tools and materials do you recommend? Any certain brands? Do you have a favourite local store? Keep it simple to start - a basic pottery tool kit will do you just fine. In fact, you Ceramic artist, James Stanley Watson, talks to Craft Focus about his love for creating with clay and becoming the Winner of series eight of the Great Pottery Throw Down JOY IN IMPERFECTION
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