Emily Myers - Potter

Interview

How did you become a potter?

I had a wonderful pottery teacher at school and learned to throw on the wheel then. I went to Art School and did a degree in ceramics.

Which other artists and craftspeople have inspired your work?

Tutors at college (especially Walter Keeler) and other contemporary potters. Also high quality pottery can be seen at galleries like the Crafts Council and Craft Potters Shop as well as at museums like the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

What particular skills are needed to be a potter?

Concentration, patience, determination, some strength but mainly lots and lots of perseverance.

What do you particularly enjoy about working with clay?

It is very involving and continuously challenging.

What do you find most difficult about working with clay?

Making large pots on the wheel because they often collapse or go wobbly.

How do you get the ideas for your pots?

The pots in the video are based on Islamic architecture. I also look at natural forms for ideas.

How long do you work for each day?

About 7 hours.

Is there a piece of work you would like to make in the future?

I would like to develop new shapes and new glazes. Larger pots are a constant challenge.