I’m Bill Rolls and I’ve been interested in ceramics since I was a teenager. My knowledge has grown from there, learning new skills and understanding the boundaries of the material.

My pottery is inspired by nature.  The sea is a particular inspiration with its ebb and flow and the multitude of creatures than live in and around it.  My work is glazed predominantly with clay slips. Whilst the surface is still wet I apply a Mocha slip, which creates unique patterns reminiscent of spiders webs and seaweed moving in the surf. I finish the decoration with applied springs of creatures that are synergetic with the emerging patterns. These techniques help to express the naturalistic forms and colours of the ocean.

 I have been making pottery for a couple of years under the tutorlidge of Melanie Brown with emphasis on form and Dylan Bowen with Slip finishing. I have also been taught by John Huggins who has helped me scale up my work to make large pots designed for use in the garden.

I recently started throwing again after dipping my toe in a couple of times early on in my life and I have now rediscovered the love of making on the wheel. Through this medium I want to explore and expand my knowledge of the pottery.