“When I start a new making session it is most likely that I begin with a small group of tea bowls. A clay vessel formed to be held in our fingers, cradled in our hands and touched to our lips.”

— Jack Doherty

There is a stillness in the silence of the studio in January. The anticipation of new beginnings and the whiteness of the porcelain thrown clay forms waiting patiently on the shelves. When I start a new making session it is most likely that I begin with a small group of tea bowls. They are at the same time, both a comforting and a challenging starting point.

Thrown using 600 grams of porcelain each, an amount which fits comfortably into my cupped hands, and in a way the perfect starting point for this form. I am reshaping the clay into a vessel which will be held in our fingers, cradled in our hands and touched to our lips. It is the functional aspect of these carefully considered, tactile objects that makes me pay attention to specific details like the rim and foot. Particular places that will be explored by touching. In Japan, the surface of the outside of a tea bowl is referred to as its landscape and I am very aware of the areas where I apply colour and texture and equally conscious of the empty spaces.

Making my group of tea bowls takes me on a fascinating journey. It begins with the most basic of ceramic process’s leading me through adventures with function and aesthetics which are full of the memories and images of my travels. This month I am showcasing a few tea bowls from the last firing available for sale on my website gallery.

Talking of drinking tea! In October I was delighted to welcome Rick Stein and the production team from Shine TV into the studio to film a making sequence. The new series is currently being aired on BBC2 and follows Rick through his home county of Cornwall, celebrating the history, culture, and food of the region. He discovers the beauty of this ancient landscape sharing his love and passion for the people and places on his Cornish doorstep.

I was delighted to spend some time in his company having a chat about my work as I made a bowl at the wheel. We talked about the materials I use, as well as the ceramic history and unique connection that Cornwall has with Japan. To hear our conversation tune in to this week’s episode, Rick Stein’s Cornwall, on Tuesday January 19th at 6.30 pm on BBC2.

We have some exciting news to follow in February when we will be introducing a limited edition of our soda-fired stoneware to the online gallery. This is an everyday tableware range with function and utility in mind. To see more follow our Instagram @dohertytableware

I look forward to sharing our studio news as we dip our toe into this unsettled start to the year. Thank you for all your support and mind yourselves.

Follow us @dohertyporcelain

I am happy to personally answer any questions you may have about my work jack@dohertyporcelain.com

NOTES FROM THE STUDIO

My work is made using one clay, one mineral and a single firing. Over time the process has become simpler and more refined in the belief that stripping away the unnecessary can produce work with complexity and depth. I enjoy the fluid, sensual nature of porcelain combined with the freedom of throwing and hand-building. My firing technique is unique; a vital and dynamic process using soda as a catalyst to create a reaction with copper to produce a subtle palette of colour and texture closely integrated with the form.