Ken Luckhurst: Ceramicist and Woodcarver
Originally from Sussex, I moved to Cornwall with my wife in 2000 and work as a gardener in the picturesque Lizard Peninsula.
I
make pots in my leisure time, specialising in smoked earthenware. All
my pots are made by the coiling process. When the pots are cool, having
been fired to 900 degrees Centigrade in an electric kiln, they are buried
in sawdust which is then ignited. As this smoulders, smoke penetrates
the surface of the pots leaving random patterns unique to each piece
of pottery. After washing, the pots are sealed and waxed, making them
delightful to hold and admire.
Whenever
possible, I use local clay that I either dig or acquire from excavation
sites. I enjoy the challenge of turning raw clay into beautiful pots.
It is surprising how local clays vary: from the Lizard, the clay fires
to a rich red colour yet further around the coastline a deep brown.
I am inspired by classical shapes and natural forms and often decorate the surface of my pots with relief carvings or sgraffito (scratch decoration).
As
I am a full-time gardener my pottery output is low. However, this allows
me to produce quality pots that are individual, and a pleasure to own.