Robert Hunter

I am ceramics artist who is interested in using materials I am able to collect and source myself. Wheel thrown ceramics from tableware to vessel with a connection to land and time. Never two pieces the same and limited editions.

Q&A

What craft do you work with?

I work with ceramics. I mainly produce tableware which is inspired by my travels and architecture. As I travel around, I collect small amounts of materials like wild clay and wood to create ash from. from them, I develop them into glazes or use the clay as a form of decoration on the work. I have been doing this for a good 5 years now and my favourite part of my processes is never had two pieces the same. My work consistently evolves and changes.

What inspires you to work with this craft?

The materials and my journey inspires me and my work. Where I collect the materials, the surrounding area, the stories and forms around me. I want my ceramics to tell a story of traditional techniques and processes, using the materials the land provide.

How do you start your creative process?

My processes begin by simply going for a walk, having a look for materials on the way and see what I can collect. Take inspiration from around them and there, I develop the work. May that be a simple bowl or a larger vessel. The most difficult part is after all the developments, the work could still come out not how I expect.. after so much research, it still not how I predict.

How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?

I currently work within my place of work, an indoor.. underground studio space. Back home in Ayr, I still have my garden shed studio. It’s something I build during covid and made it my own. Its cold and often damp but it has character and a charm around it. It’s got rocks and boxes of materials and it’s where I am most creative.

Are there new techniques you would like to try?

New technqiues I would like to add to my practice is regarding the kilns. Currently work in a electric kiln but would love to use a gas kiln or more wood firings. I would get better results and make the work have a higher finish to them.

What have you learnt or the best advice you have received that you would like to share with fellow crafters?

My professional dream is to have proper studio set up in which is a space I can be creative but also teach from. Lots of windows and space for both gas and wood kilns.