GALLERY

SHARON LAWRENCE

Born in 1974, Sharon graduated from the University of the West of England, Bristol in 1995 with a 1st Class BA Hons degree in ceramics.

Her work is mainly based upon African animals and domestic cats, animals that fascinated her as a child. Sharon shows in galleries all over the UK.

Living in Devon, Sharon frequently visits Paignton zoo, where she gathers most of her sketches and obtains her inspiration.

Sharon's sculptures start their life as thin slabs of clay. These are rolled out and then, using her fingertips, are manipulated into the desired shape. The pieces are built up in sections, with the clay hardening as it dries. Once completely dry, the finished piece is fired to 1000oC. Glaze is then sponged or painted on. The majority of pieces are then reduction fired in a gas kiln to 1280 oC. The chameleons with the shiny, crackled glaze are Raku fired. This involves taking the piece out of the kiln with tongs at about 950 oC, while it is glowing red hot, and immediately plunging it into sawdust. This gives the piece the black crackles in the glaze and the metallic bright red colours.

All Sharon's pieces carry her SL mark. Sharon is a member of the West Country’s Potters Association.