CHRIS LEWIS

Chris Lewis trained at Wrecclesham Pottery near Farnham, Surrey. Since graduating in 1975 he has worked at the pottery at South Heighton, established by Ursula Mommens in the 1950's. He spent 1978 travelling in West Africa studying traditional pottery making techniques. His work is influenced by tribal art and archaeology, in particular the unglazed wares found in archeological sites all over the world, including Neolithic China, south western United States, Susa in Iran and village pots made all over West Africa.

Until 2000 he fired in a two-chamber wood burning kiln; this was demolished and replaced by a single chamber 'anagama' kiln similar to those used in South East Asia for the last 1000 years. The firing of this kiln involves four days of continuous stoking to a temperature of between 1300-1350°C. During the firing ash and embers are allowed to build up throughout the kiln amongst the pots. It is this process that contributes to the depth of colour and textural variety that is evident on the surface of the finished work. The work is either thrown on a wheel, or made with a combination of throwing and hand building techniques.

Chris specialises in large and small garden pots, garden seats and sculptural pieces. All garden pots are guaranteed 100% frost proof.

The pots selected for this exhibition have a warmth and humanity, which reflect the enduring fascination that still motivates his work.