PROFILE

Ben Barker has been a studio potter, sculptor and teacher for over 30 years, having graduated with an Honours degree in ceramics and sculpture. He began his career teaching art in a secondary school before becoming self-employed as a studio potter in East Anglia. For ten years he produced a wide range of reduction fired domestic stoneware fired in a 60 cubic foot catenary arch gas kiln which he built to facilitate a new range of work. He then returned to teaching in the independent sector where, in addition to teaching ceramics and sculpture he worked on set design for the theatre. He currently works in porcelain, producing hand thrown ceramics which have been exhibited throughout the UK and in Europe. Work is now mainly sold through selected galleries.

In addition to private commissions, work is also represented in permanent collections and ceramic murals and plaques have been undertaken for various companies and societies.

As a sculptor, he has produced both environmental and domestic work carved in wood and stone or cast in metal. Currently he works mainly on small scale pieces made in aluminium and bronze. Themes pursued include the natural world, the human form and conceptual ideas. Awards for presentation are designed and made to commission.

He teaches pottery to adults as part of the National Open College Network programme and runs frequent ceramic courses from his private studio in West Sussex which cover general pottery and Raku. In schools Ben organises INSET training for staff and as artist in residence works with pupils on individual and group projects which have included sculpture projects and ceramic murals. He also offers demonstrations and workshops for art clubs and societies.

Ben is a member of the Craft Potters' Association of Great Britain, the Association of Sussex Artists, the Southern Ceramic Group, Continuum and the Surrey Sculpture Society.

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