Celia Irwin

Most people find working with clay therapeutic, and having time to try things out has provided the opportunity to combine a love of nature and art together. I have a small studio where I often work alone, but also hold workshops for up to 6 people. These are usually groups of friends who come for 2 sessions - a leaf-making workshop and then a painting session once the work is fired, each including refreshments.

Two longer sessions are needed to make and decorate a green man. I also run poppy workshops for WI groups, and have worked in nurseries, schools and care homes. The downside of working with clay with groups, is that generally two sessions are needed, one to make and one to decorate - with firing in the middle. The positive aspects are that almost everyone loves to roll and manipulate the wet clay, and everyone is pleased with what they have produced when they see it fresh from the kiln, and the final product when it has been decorated.

There is a very definite sense of personal achievement. Whilst I have a wheel, I much prefer hand-building and this lends itself to the natural things I make. I like the control that comes from using acrylic paints, and enjoy adding gilding wax or gold leaf for special effects.