The work
My work is hand built mainly using three different clay bodies, earthenware for the fish, stoneware for most sculptures and porcelain for the framed swimming octopi. They are painted with glaze that is usually mixed and layered, sometimes with several different glazes to get just the right colour for the piece. The mackerel shoals and balls for example, are painted with seven different glazes and underglazes and then a topcoat of lustre in a third firing to obtain the mother of pearl lifelike iridescence.
Octopi are not simply one colour in real life and are always painted with at least three colours to give them movement and interest.
The framed work is professionally framed by a local framing company and as my work is 3D I frame my pieces in deep frames to enhance and protect each piece. The frame is usually white but other colours are available. I am able to make fish pictures ranging in size from 26cm small mackerel ball to a large one meter ball. The shoals can usually be made to the size desired. Framed Octopi can vary in size up to around 70cm.
I have a large selection of glaze colours and can discuss any preference. Please look through the photographs on this website and further work on my Instagram page to find any colours you like.
Sales
Most of the images depicted have been sold however if you see a photograph of something that interests you, I am happy for you to contact me and discuss if it can be made and purchased. I am only a small business with a small studio and do not have the room to keep a lot of stock but commissions for work can be made, although this may take up to 3/4 weeks. Some smaller pieces can be sent by post but many pieces especially larger pieces and all framed swimming octopi cannot be sent by ordinary post, I use professional art couriers who deliver door to door. Cost of delivery can be discussed at the time of order.
About me.
I live in Watergate Bay in Cornwall with my husband Steve, two children and Marna the Cockapoo. I have a small studio with a distant sea view. I love the sea and spend happy times snorkelling,swimming and kayaking. The sea inspires me to create sea themed hand built ceramics and I am regularly thinking of new creations and colours to keep ideas fresh. All my work is original unique and a little quirky.
Kate Panter