Deiniol Williams

I make two distinct types of ceramic: Earthenware tiles inspired by medieval designs and geometric patterns, and wood-fired stoneware with ash glazes which incorporates locally sourced stones and minerals mixed into the clay. The traditional range of tiles are made by screen-printing the design directly onto the clay tile using either clay slips. They are finished with traditional Honey or Copper glaze and fired to Earthenware temperatures in an electric kiln. The contemporary range offer a variety of colours, however the ceramic ink is printed onto a white glaze before firing. Tiles are suited for kitchen walls or splash-backs, or for low footfall areas such as around fireplaces. Commissions are welcome. In my wood-fired pots, I strive for a balance between control and chaos as I believe imperfections such as uneven glazes, or foreign substances in the clay can communicate a natural beauty. In my search for a way to develop these uncertain features, I fire my kiln with firewood. The wood kiln has a way of transforming the clay and glaze surface depending on where the pots are placed in the kiln, the length of firing, and also the type of wood used. A large amount of fly-ash is generated in this kiln which drifts through the firing chamber and lands on the various surfaces creating an additional layer of glaze and altering the clay's colour and texture. I also run short courses and workshops including tile making, tile decorating, and hand-building pottery to name a few.