Our pottery courses are run by three experienced, passionate and skilled tutors in our bespoke Pottery studio in Newport. Juliet Collins runs our Wednesday morning and afternoon sessions and we thought we’d introduce her by asking some questions about herself as a potter:
When did your passion for ceramics start?
My passion for ceramics started at school. From a young age I used to make things out of sweet wrappers and the plasticine but since I discovered clay at the age of 11 there was no holding me back! I was lucky to have an amazing pottery teacher too who really nurtured and encouraged me to go to art college.
What do you love best about teaching ceramics?
I’ve been teaching ceramics now for 35 years and it still amazes me how much students can achieve once given a few simple techniques. There are so many exciting things to learn. I love watching students evolve and grow in confidence as they discover which methods and styles that really inspire them. Though I specialise in animals my students have free rein to make just about anything they wish!
Tell us a little bit about your own practice?
When I’m not teaching I primarily make animal sculptures from a very textured clay and use matte glazes which really suit the style of my work. (Check out my facebook page Juliet Collins Animal Sculptures) . I do throw pots on the wheel occasionally but I’ve always been a great animal lover and the natural world is where my inspiration comes from. My studio is in a room on the side of my house in Totland. I sell direct to my clients and partly through galleries and shops on the Island and the mainland and through shows like Wolverton Manor Garden fair, Open Studios and the occasional exhibition on the mainland and undertake commissions.
Most useful pottery tip?
My most useful pottery tip is to try anything (within reason!) There are ‘rules’ on how to do most things in ceramics but it’s always good to try something different if you’re curious as you never really know what could happen! Run it by your tutor first of course!!
Juliet’s workshops are on Wednesdays and can be booked via Courses and Workshops.
If you would like to buy someone a workshop as a gift you can book directly online or purchase a gift voucher from our Quay Arts craft shop, open 7 days a week.
*Vouchers can only be redeemed in person or over the phone*
See some of Juliet’s work below.
