Wednesday 13th May, 2009 at 7:45pm, Polehampton Junior School

Ben grew up in York and started making pots at the age of 14, inspired by his pottery teacher at school. After taking a foundation course in Art and Design at York College, he went on to read Geography and Geology at Manchester University. This was followed by two postgraduate years at the Royal Academy of Music in London, studying cello with Derek Simpson and chamber music with the Amadeus Quartet. Since leaving the Academy in 1989, Ben has worked as a professional cellist and teacher. He returned to pottery in 1994, attending classes at Barry Guppy’s studio in Pimlico.

"I use a variety of coloured and textured clays to create distinctive coiled pots which take their forms and surfaces from nature, with particular inspiration coming from beach stones and geological strata. By combining clays and layering slips, using a range of techniques, I am able to create dramatic effects without the use of glazes. I scrape and sand surfaces before a single firing at earthenware temperatures. After firing I sand the pots again prior to final polishing."

For more information, visit Ben's website at www.bendaviesceramics.co.uk.