Throughout a diverse range of professional careers my pre-occupation with 'making' has always found a place. Having spent an 18 year period as a Maritime Archaeologist, my works are heavily influenced by the cultures of the countries I have worked in, as well as the natural world, underwater and on land. I am drawn to the patinas of surfaces, of the used, worn everyday and decorative items of those cultures. The main motivation for using clay is the material's potential to form authentic objects. Its tactile nature experienced both in the making process and in its use is very attractive to me. My functional objects are organic and contemporary and designed to be held. The materials and finish are chosen to delight the touch and mimic the natural feel of stone. Unglazed porcelain and stains are used to create a tonal palette. My work attempts to connect both traditional and historic methods and aesthetics with contemporary culture.