Jack Doherty was born and brought up in Ireland, and trained at the University of Ulster in Belfast. Jack was recently appointed to the position of Lead Potter at the Leach Pottery in St. Ives, Cornwall, and is an energetic and key figure in British ceramics . ‘I have worked with porcelain for many years and I enjoy the very different qualities of this versatile material. During the Festival I will be making thrown and slab pieces. The thrown pots will show the more refined nature of the clay. I will be using throwing ribs to stretch and shape the forms and a variety of improvised tools to mark the surfaces while the clay is still soft. With these pieces I am trying to produce a balance between form and decoration, always trying to preserve the energy and freshness of the making. The slab plates and dishes are made in a more robust way, essentially using the same tools and marks but drawing deeply into the heavy clay slabs. I hope that these pots will have a monumental quality while still remaining functional.’
