Many students go on to set up their own studios both independent and co-operative and run workshops to share skills, creativity and subsidise practice. In Cardiff we have the Makers Guild, SWP and galleries such as Craft in the Bay, Llanover Hall, Chapter Arts, Cardiff MADE amongst others through which to run enterprise, making use of their mailing list and footfall. If space permits you can also establish your own premises. Two fantastic examples of graduate success are Kelly Campbell’s ‘Cardiff Pottery Workshops’ and Jack Welbourne ‘One Wall Studio’.
The significance of these initiatives is to make ceramics accessible to the public, enabling people to learn about the significant capacity of clay for both independent and community endeavour. Cardiff matches parallel initiatives across the UK from ‘Turning Earth’ British Ceramics Biennial community projects and ‘Clayground Collective’.
Read Jacks story:
After graduating from CSAD I got a job as a production thrower for Smith and Jennings limited, Ton Pentre, Wales. There I was able to continue to improve on my throwing skills, learn about running a business and was introduced to new ceramic processes.
I left Smith and Jennings to set up my first pottery in an out building of my student house. I built the studio from materials I collected out of skips then bought and converted a second hand electric kiln to fire with propane.
Over the course of the year I produced a range of functional domestic ware and one off pieces. I also co-ran a project called ‘Soil and Clay’ working with refugees and asylum seekers that has now grown into the ‘Global Gardens Project’. During this time I also got a job working as a pottery technician for Vision 21, a charity working with people with learning needs.
Once the lease on my student house was up I moved my pottery to the co-working space ‘One Fox Lane’ in Adamsdown, Cardiff. There I have been able to expand my making, acquiring a much larger kiln to increase production of my wares, as well as start running evening class, taster session and weekend throwing courses.
Jack Welbourne is based at One Fox Lane in Adamsdown, Cardiff. Find out more via his Instagram account: www.instagram.com/jwceramics/
Kelly Campbell runs Cardiff Pottery Workshops at Unit 15 Freemans Parc, Penarth road. Cardiff CF11 8EQ. Visit her website for more information: www.cardiffpotteryworkshops.com
