Today we catch up with Chalk and Flint Ceramics who we look forward to welcoming at our So This is Christmas fair Worthing on Sunday 1st December…
Please introduce yourself and your brand….
My name’s Gill Harvey and I have a small ceramics business called Chalk and Flint Ceramics. I make vases, jugs and bowls on the potter’s wheel in my studio in Hollingdean, Brighton, and use the same decorative techniques to make ceramic jewellery.
How would you describe your style and your creations?
All my ceramics and ceramic jewellery are inspired by the beautiful landscape, geology and history of Sussex. My original range is inspired by the chalk and flint of the seaside cliffs; it’s matt chalky white, with the effect of seams of flint carved into it using a technique called sgraffito. I also have a new smoke-fired range — ‘flint and fire’ — inspired by ancient flint tools and artefacts. As well as greys and blacks, there’s copper and iron in the mix; some of the colours are amazing. Oh, and I have some new ‘flint wall’ mugs! So I’d say that my work is closely connected to the earth, nature and the local environment.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love throwing pots on the wheel and developing new forms. I also love being part of a community of makers across Sussex — everyone’s so friendly.
What can we expect to find on your stall at So This is Christmas Worthing on Sunday 1st December? And are you looking forward to taking part?
I’m really excited about this fair — it’s my first time at Charmandean. I’ll be bringing some lovely cylinder vases and jugs, some very Christmassy bowls with a gold glaze inside and some of the new ‘flint wall’ mugs. On the jewellery side, I’m excited to be bringing some new ‘flint and fire’ pendants as well as my usual chalk and flint range. They make a real statement!
Do you have a best seller?
Not really. Some days it’s my pots that sell; other days people love the jewellery. I can never tell — that’s the fun of selling!
Do you have any plans or ambitions for the future?
Ceramics is a second career for me so I’m constantly trying to hone my skills and develop new ideas. There’s so much to learn as a potter — it never stops. My ambition is to keep improving, and hopefully never retire…
Describe your Christmas in 3 words…
Cosy, chaotic, creative.
How can we find out more about you?
