Samuel Hayward West Yorkshire, United Kingdom

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I am an early-career potter with a central ambition of propagating new traditions, and providing alternative learning opportunities and pathways to access for artists from all backgrounds. I am currently focused on grounding my artistic practice in craft, and I am passionate about drawing upon more traditional approaches to craft for inspiration in re-prioritising cultural sustainability.

I primarily make functional pottery. How I approach is informed largely by working at Joseph Sand Pottery and Winchcombe Pottery, where there was a belief that pottery is only truly functional if someone can reasonably afford to use, and eventually break, the pottery.

I throw my pots on a wheel using a metal rib, focusing on maximum clay efficiency, so as to make the piece light and functional, and removing the need for trimming later. This is also aided by the addition of a false foot, which I add on the wheel using the metal rib. I decorate using quick, gestural techniques - including slip combing, trailing and pouring. To fully utilise the choice not to trim my work, I aim for fluid and curving forms for the most part, paired with hand-pulled handles where appropriate.

Aside from my functional work, I am also trained in traditional Thai coil building for big pots - and in the past have made vases and bottles as tall as 1.5m, and basins as wide as 70cm. Using this coiling technique, I explore more sculptural pieces, where I can fully embrace my affinity for fluidity. Here, I have began to explore challenging-through-form, with aspirations to achieve forms which are visceral, contagious and evoke doubt.

When possible, I aim to wood-fire; however, currently, due to access, I am exploring low-fire glazes, on earthenware clay, fired in an electric kiln, made using a kick-wheel.