Mike Evans
I made the move from admirer to maker of pots whilst spending a year working in Edinburgh, by attending classes with Jane Kelly. On returning to Kent, I set up a small workshop at home and joined the Kent Potters Association. A major house move and renovation project meant that pottery has been on hold until recently, when I started making again. It sadly has to take second place to my work as a software engineer.
The chemistry that happens in the kiln is fascinating. I enjoy the interaction between slips applied to the pot before the first firing and glazes applied for a second firing. I love it when a slip goes on pale green, comes out of the kiln grey. Then I put a white glaze over the top, fire it again and it comes out pale pink.
I formulate all the slips and glazes myself. I generally fire to 1200°C, which saves a lot of energy compared with a higher stoneware firing, but is enough to allow the glazes to be lead free and makes them oven and dishwasher safe. For cream kitchenware I use this cream glaze, based on a recipe from Emanuel Cooper.
There is more information on my pottery and my other intests on my personal site at onamagram.co.uk