Ailsa has been working with clay for over 35yrs (on and off).

 

Originally from the Isle of Arran on the west coast of Scotland, her love of nature, the outdoors, and animals certainly influence her work. Lately, even nostalgia is creeping in.

 

After moving to Nelson from Scotland with her family, she reignited her love of ceramics when she joined Nelson Community Potters.

Most of her pieces are hand-built, incorporate texture, and often push the clay’s limits. She loves to layer glazes, letting them run and drip, and she sometimes adds in glass. Once fired, opening the kiln can be nerve-wracking, but Ailsa loves the reward of creating amazing, unique artwork.

 

Ailsa says once you know the basics of hand-building, the sky is the limit.

"Working with clay can be very therapeutic both mentally and physically. You can work at your own pace; fast, slow, size can be anything, add texture and build over hrs. or days. The only limit is your imagination."