Gail Cooper

A self-taught ceramicist working from my garden studio in Trevaunance cove, St Agnes. I began exploring wheel thrown ceramics in March 2022 using locally produced St Agnes clay from less than a mile away. Inspired by the rugged landscape of the North Cornish coast and Trevaunance Cove, my work focuses on creating minimal forms that reflect the natural beauty of my surroundings as inspiration. Nestled around the cove, the engine houses and chimney stacks, with their straight lines tapering up, a reminder of Cornwall's mining heritage, along with weathered pebbles scattered across the beach. My glazed work further reflects the natural colour around St Agnes including the sea, seaweeds, ferns, granite and slate.

While producing glazed functional ware over the last two years, my artistic journey has led me to explore alternative firing and decorative techniques beyond traditional glazing. I am particularly captivated by saggar firing in an electric kiln, a more recent and lesser know technique using electric kilns over pit, barrel or gas firing This involves ceramics placed in a clay container (saggar) with locally foraged combustible materials including Cornish wood shavings, seaweeds, copper wire and oxides. This controlled process allows me to manipulate organic materials and oxides to evoke landscapes of land and sea. This work is finished and sealed with liquid quartz, creating a watertight, satin matt finish producing functional pieces other than only for display, they are therefore suitable for holding water for fresh cut flowers than traditional wax sealed pieces.

I further reclaim and recycle my clay, staining it and applying a porcelain slip before firing once, rather than the traditional two firings, thereby minimizing environmental impact and energy consumption. Innovatively sealing my pieces with liquid quartz—a versatile mineral abundant in the Earth's crust that ensures both food safety and dishwater suitability—further supports my commitment to sustainability including reducing kiln firings.

Through my work, I aim to create a conscious collection recognized for its environmental ethos and unique aesthetic. Thisprovides an alternative to traditional glazing but also celebrates the beauty and sustainability of local materials.