For the second trip in our summer programme, artist/makers visited Common Clay, a ceramics studio within Beeching Road Studios in Bexhill. Several artist/makers have had ceramic pieces made in the studio fired at Common Clay in the past, and it was wonderful to be able to have a day there in person.
The studio was set up by artist Carla Wright in 2018 to provide a shared, open and experimental making space for artists working with clay. Carla was a thoroughly welcoming host and a generous facilitator, providing the materials, tools and expertise to enable everyone to explore clay as a medium.
Artist/makers explored different processes – hand building intricate characters, using press moulds to create tableware and pushing found objects from the yard into slabs to make collaborative pieces. The spacious studio also allowed us to dip into mark-making on paper in response to the experience.
Images: (from left to right) Louise Newham, Marion Willis, Common Clay studio, Charlie Stephens, three press mould pots by Charlie, all at Common Clay, August 2022
The following day, the Support Collective visited the studios too, and parent-carers and support workers had the chance to explore their own creativity, resulting in a diverse array of pieces.
The summer programme has included trips to Rye Harbour and Berwick Church and have really helped artists to feel connected to their creative practice over the summer break. This is all part of our Art. Freedom. Care. in-house programme.
Huge thanks to Carla for welcoming us so warmly to Common Clay. We hope to visit again soon and build on this enjoyable start to our work together!
Find out more about Common Clay at commonclay.co.uk.