Damian keefe

I did all the sciences and maths at O-level and further chemistry, biology and maths at A-level. This gave me the background to be able to understand the technicalities of ceramic firing and glaze formulation. At university, where I first studied for a degree, and then did a PhD in, biology I learned the techniques of technical research, skills that are also applicable to solving ceramic problems and formulating or modifying glaze recipes. I specialised in Botany and that subject currently provides the inspiration for most of the designs I use on my pots.

While doing my PhD I did a weekly evening class in Pottery which I had never had any acquaintance with before. I was hooked. The two evening class teachers lived a long way from the studio where the classes were taught so it was a chore for them to fire the kiln. I lived minutes away so volunteered to do the firings, and was taught how to pack and operate a kiln. I had a lot of spare time in the summer when the university was on holiday so I also volunteered to recycle the scrap clay, not only learning another skill but also gaining access to the studio full time. I practised throwing every day for several weeks. "Practice makes perfect" they say, but, 40 years later, I am still practising.