Discover Unique Ceramics Made by this Yorkshire Dales Potter

Tell us what you do.
I am a potter based in North Yorkshire working mainly on the wheel from my studio at home.

What’s your background?
I studied portrait sculpture at university and used clay as my main material, so I am very familiar with its properties. I actually learnt how to throw at the brilliant Old Stables Pottery in Hebden Bridge and once I had the basics it was learning through hours and hours of practise at home on the wheel and learning through my mistakes. I mainly learnt about glazing techniques and recipes through YouTube and books.

How would you describe your design style?
My style is constantly evolving and changing. I am always trying out new designs and I’m really inspired by my surroundings, nature and landscape. I often include lines from poetry that mean a lot to me – the Brontë sisters and Wordsworth are often my sources.

Tell us about your typical day.
My typical day involves getting into the studio early. I’ll throw at the wheel for about three to four hours, then spend the afternoon painting pots that are air dried. I like the contrast of the two processes and would find it hard to spend the whole day doing just one. I also fit in the glazing which again is a totally different activity. I really enjoy each stage of the process, particularly opening the kiln after the final firing  – as long as it’s all gone according to plan!

What’s the hardest part of what you do?
The hardest part is when you have put many hours into a piece, and something goes wrong in the kiln!

What’s the best part?
The best part is when I perfect a design or shape and it comes out of the kiln better than expected. I also love the general feeling of creativity.

Can you tell us about a favourite recent creation?
My favourite is a large hand-moulded bowl with a beautiful blue glaze.

What are you currently working on?
I’m currently very busy making for all the fairs I have coming up between now and Christmas and hopefully you will get to see all these new creations (and some of the old favourites) at Living North’s Christmas Fair.

You can meet Kate at Living North’s Christmas Fair at York Racecourse from 14th–17th November. Early-bird discounted tickets are on sale now. Head to katetempestpottery.co.uk for more. 

Living North’s Top Picks