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About
I studied at Brighton University, graduating in 1997 with a first class degree in Wood, Metal, Ceramics and Plastics. For the first part of my career I worked with UK manufacturers designing ceramic homewares, together with fellow graduate Andrew Tanner under our company name HUB, supplying retailers internationally including Harrods, Liberty and DKNY. Since 2013 I have been designing and making everything here in my own studio. I love the freedom I have to explore and develop new techniques, taking manufacturing processes into a craft environment, pushing the boundaries and challenging limitation. My collections balance design and craft exploring the intrinsic qualities of vitreous clay bodies and the potential role of new technologies and industrial processes within a craft context. Ceramic lighting, vessels and installations are imbued with a sense of discovery. Inspired by architecture, memory and the passing of time my pieces explore themes of repetition, variation, duality and erosion with sharp geometries and soft curves in a muted monochrome palette. My work captures a beauty in the new and the worn, the exposure of hidden layers and the reveal of complexity. New explorations with a modular mould developed using 3D printing is enabling me to produce a series of experimental pieces with multiple profiles; in harmony, in discord or vying for attention whilst a new soft erosion technique which produces an intriguing felt-like quality is the focus for a new series of vessels. I also enjoy sharing my passion and knowledge through creative workshops in my studio, at local schools and at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill. In November 2020 I won an award with Design Nation to become one of their selected members. Its an honour to be part of their portfolio. Their tag line 'Future thinking for Design and Craft' feels like a great fit. |
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News
June 2021
May 2021
Welcome back to workshops in my studio!
One to One (or two from the same household) workshops can be hosted in my Studio as usual.
For groups of up to 4 from different households, workshops will be outdoors (weather permitting) under sail shades on the patio area outside my studio during the summer months (May - Sept).
A fantastic excuse to get together with friends to have some creative fun together!
Visit my Workshop page for more information about the workshops on offer.
Prices start from £35pp
One to One (or two from the same household) workshops can be hosted in my Studio as usual.
For groups of up to 4 from different households, workshops will be outdoors (weather permitting) under sail shades on the patio area outside my studio during the summer months (May - Sept).
A fantastic excuse to get together with friends to have some creative fun together!
Visit my Workshop page for more information about the workshops on offer.
Prices start from £35pp
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March 2021Workshops at my studio in Ninfield will be resuming from 12th April with the easing of lockdown restrictions. One to One session (or two from the same household) can now be booked. Self directed studio space hire and firing services will also be resuming. Click here for more information on workshops and services
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I am so excited to be joining Design Nation’s portfolio of designers and becoming part of the DN community. It is especially meaningful as I remember fondly their founder Peta Levi MBE who was instrumental at the very beginning of my design career. Thank you so much for choosing me to be the recipient of this award. The timing is perfect and I’m so looking forward to the year ahead with Design Nation.
September 2020
20th March 2020
I have made the decision to cancel all planned workshops and people coming to use facilities at my studio until further notice to support the government's request that we all exercise social distancing and minimise contact to help reduce the spread of Covid-19 virus to protect the vulnerable and help the NHS cope.
I will be continuing to make work at the studio and take this extra time to develop some new ideas too. I can still take orders which can be collected from the studio doorstep or posted.
It is a difficult time for many businesses and the Crafts Council reports that makers have been hard hit with events and exhibitions cancelled, galleries and shops closing, workshops cancelled and reduced direct sales. My business’ income stream has hit all of these problems, but we will get through I’m sure.
Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones through this challenging time. Fill your time with creative adventure, walks in nature and find new ways of keeping in contact with family and friends safely.
I will be continuing to make work at the studio and take this extra time to develop some new ideas too. I can still take orders which can be collected from the studio doorstep or posted.
It is a difficult time for many businesses and the Crafts Council reports that makers have been hard hit with events and exhibitions cancelled, galleries and shops closing, workshops cancelled and reduced direct sales. My business’ income stream has hit all of these problems, but we will get through I’m sure.
Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones through this challenging time. Fill your time with creative adventure, walks in nature and find new ways of keeping in contact with family and friends safely.
November 2019
Exploring the possibilities of clay extrusion. This is an industrial manufacturing method utilised in the production of clay sewage pipes and bricks. For the craftsperson small wall-mounted extruders are used to extrude clay for coil-building and handles. I am exploring the potential of the process in making complex forms, creating variation post extrusion to produce unique works. The images below show some initial experiments with a small extruder with some promising results.
Please follow Anna's developments on Instagram: @annajthomson or Contact Anna with your email address to join our mailing list
Please follow Anna's developments on Instagram: @annajthomson or Contact Anna with your email address to join our mailing list
