And here I am...
I live in Sheringham with my partner, Shaun and my guide dog, Pennard. We are fortunate to have a lovely home with a fairly large garden which I enjoy developing and maintaining. Within our garden is a brick-built garden store (think small) which is now home to my pottery studio!
My journey into ceramics probably began playing with plasticine at infants' school and discovering, to my delight, those makes (I remember best a witch on a broom handle) were good enough to be shown off at school assembly presentations.
I was reasonably good at art in school but only discovered pottery when I embarked on an evening class later in adult life. I remember feeling so comfortable using this art medium and how there were so many possibilities to create pieces of all shapes and sizes.
I have a progressive dual, sight and hearing sensory condition called Ushers Syndrome, which was diagnosed in my 20’s. In my 40s, my eye condition declined further, and I was legally certified as blind with only central vision remaining. Working with the challenges of being both hearing and severely sight impaired, I recognised my 30-year career in risk management may be coming to an end. I took the decision, in consultation and agreement with my employer, to take ill health retirement.
Shortly afterwards, my partner and I decided to move away from the hustle and bustle of Buckinghamshire and relocate to our beloved North Norfolk; the quieter pace of life suiting us both.
Having settled into our new home, I felt the need to revisit my art interests, firstly joining an art group in my hometown at Upper Sheringham. At about the same time I also joined a pottery class nearby.
It soon became clear to me that my alliance with ceramics was firmly forged by the more tactile nature of clay, and this enabled me to capitalise on my remaining central vision to create hand builds, and wheel thrown objects. The possibilities were endless, and that's without talking about glazes!!
My dad had a natural flare for all things practical and was good with a pencil, often doodling art. I’d like to think some of his artistic, practical qualities have rubbed off onto me. Both my parents would want me to pursue & enjoy my pottery passion further. I too was keen to develop my skills in pottery and become more self-sufficient in producing ceramics, so I invested in key tools of the trade with a pottery wheel and kiln. My dad's name is my middle name, and it means a lot to me that his initial reflected in my pottery stamp design.
At this point I was encouraged to participate in North Norfolk Open Studio by my pottery tutor, joining a fabulous group of likeminded, talented artists including a number of fine potters. In my first year, slightly nervous to be amongst such talented artists, I really enjoyed the feedback and encouragement of my work by many visitors. I often joke that the guest appearance of my guide dog by my side may have helped pull in the crowds to help sales!
I have continued to develop my ceramic work, influenced by my coastline surrounding, as well as my other passion, gardening. I firmly think ceramics is my leveller, keeping me busy & in good mental health, despite my personal challenges as a visually impaired person. The joy of making something unique, and the excitement of whether a make will make it through the various stages from clay to kiln and glaze, adds to the great pottery experience.
I am now a regular participant of North Norfolk Open Studios and I continue to be in awe of the artistic talent in this region. I'm enthused to continue creating and making ceramics to be enjoyed by me, and my family, friends and customers.
As someone who has both a severe sight impairment and significant hearing loss, I’m keen to focus on my ability rather than disability.
I hope I can inspire those in a similar position to give ceramics a try!
C~G~W
Christopher Gordon Waller