Anne Morrison

On graduating in 1974 from Glasgow School of Art, Anne set up a small pottery studio and for a number of years produced handthrown domestic ware and ceramic jewellery. In the mid-nineties she moved on to sculptural work and raku fired ceramics. This Japanese technique of firing produces smoked crackle effects and metalic colours. The pots are removed from the kiln whilst they are still red hot and are placed in bins of sawdust where the copper coating is affected, and gives off iridescent colours in a unique way. One of Anne's main influences is the sea and shore, where she has developed her work using 'found objects' that she collects from beaches. This could include smooth pebbles, discarded items and driftwood, even rusted metal and nails.

Anne's other aspect of work is sculpting the human figure, where she aims to express emotion and hidden feelings. Her hand-modelled clay figures are placed on pieces of driftwood to help convey a range of emotions, particularly that of unease or confinement. She had her first solo exhibition in 2001 and won the Scottish Potters Association Alisdair Dunn Award in both 2000 and 2002. She was also awarded "Best Piece in Show" prize by The Strathearn Gallery in Perthshire during the Scottish Potters Association exhibition in 2007. Anne continues to exhibit throughout the UK.

"My work is based around a theme of decay and renewal and the ongoing cycle of life. Throughout our lives we go through periods of death and rebirth: after many times of darkness come hope and renewal which affect our view of the world, our place within it, and the spiritual aspects beyond it.

From old or discarded objects that I collect, I create something new. Large forms are cut and reassembled to reflect the need to rebuild our lives after painful events. Additions of leather, wire or bolts are used to achieve this and also reflect the finds from the shore. Sometimes leaves or plants are pressed into the clay to remind us of the natural world in which we live."