About
More on Anthea & Bill
Anthea Stewart
I enjoyed a part time Art Foundation course at Brighton University in my early thirties. Following this, I was very keen to sign up for a degree course but realised that would be very challenging with young children. So I started selling Antiques instead, but always found time to enjoy art, and visits shows and galleries.
Now my offspring are adults, I have been fortunate enough to have the chance to do a degree (Ceramics, Metal, Glass and Jewellery) at UCA Farnham with my partner Bill, where I have chosen Ceramics as my subject. With the degree now finished Bill and I are enjoying making and teaching at Ashdown Pottery.
I hope to continue developing my ceramics and expand our classes and workshops.
Personal Statement
Over the past twenty years I have worked in Lewes at The Lewes Antiques Centre. I have always loved Ceramics and last year completed a BA degree course at UCA Farnham. I along with my partner Bill have set up Ashdown Pottery where we make tableware for everyday, garden sculptures and raku pieces. I like to teach as i find this challenge inspires me to keep learning new skills.
We are both delighted to have been included in the Homo Faber Guide from March 2022. So we are now part of the Michaelangelo Foundation.
Education
2017-2020
University of the Creative Arts, Farnham / Glass, Ceramics, Jewellery, Metal BA (Hons)
Specialising in Ceramics
Skills
I have have worked since I was sixteen in sport, schools and Antiques, juggling family life around a busy schedule. I enjoy working in a team and have good organisational skills.
I enjoy throwing on the wheel and have developed a variety of hand-building methods. My final project at university was to make Raku Totems where i enjoyed being experimental with my techniques. I am continually learning new ways to Raku fire which i am happy to share with anyone who wants to come and join in the fun!
I hope this year to design some porcelain pieces to add to our tableware.
Related Work Experience
I have sold Antiques and vintage items in The Lewes Antiques Centre for myself and others clients. I have a good knowledge of current trends, selling, display and dealing with the public.
Exhibitions and shows
2019 Art in Clay Hatfield
ISCAEE Soul Korea
2020 Graduation UCA Farnham
2021-2023
Bevere Gallery Worcester Graduate Show
Southeast Open Studios
Brighton Artists Open Houses
Art in Clay Windsor
Crowborough Open Houses
Artwave Lewes
Art in Clay Farnham
The Clay Studio Barnsgate Manor Winter Fair
Fairwarp Christmas Fair
Potfest Glynde 21-23rd April Craft in focus Hever Castle 1
2024
Potfest Glynde 10th-12th May
Sullington Manor Farm Exhibition 16th-27th May
Southeast Open Studios June 7,8,9th 14,15,16th 21,22 & 23rd
Crowborough Open Studios 7th 8t&h September
Contact
07732 349796
ashdownpottery@yahoo.com
Bill Gowans
Once a doctor, now a potter, I am a founding partner of Ashdown Pottery in the heart of Ashdown Forest in East Sussex. I have two ceramic passions: throwing and colour. I combine these to make large vessels decorated in a range of coloured surfaces, concentrating on subtlety, depth and layering to draw the viewer in after their first meeting with a materially imposing object.
Making with clay connects me to myself and the world; I centre the clay and the clay centre me. My finished pieces challenge the viewer to make their own connections with themselves and the world.
Teaching also plays a central role in my professional life and I bring to this transferable skills from the world of medicine, including a strong commitment to lifelong learning and a deep understanding of the creative process in relationships. I really enjoy sharing the fruits of my journey from doctor to potter.
Education
2017-2020
University of the Creative Arts, Farnham / Glass, Ceramics, Jewellery, Metal BA (Hons)
Specialising in Ceramics
1977-1987
MA MB BChir, MRCP, MRCGP
1987-2017
Licensed to practice as a General Practitioner
Skills
Bringing a fusion of art and science into my design process.
A competent thrower, with particular expertise in making large vessels in joined sections.
Experienced in surface colour development using stains and glazes..
Good understanding of glaze chemistry and firing technology.
Expertise in Raku firing, and two stage naked Raku in particular.
An aptitude for teaching.
Current Employment
A founding partner of Ashdown Pottery. We make and sell tableware and sculptural pieces, engage commissions on request, offer courses, workshops and experience weekends and give 1:1 tuition. We are delighted to have been included in the Homer Faber Guide from March 2022, so we are now part of the Michelangelo Foundation.
Exhibitions and shows
ISCAEE South Korea 2019
Art in Clay Hatfield 2019, Windsor 2021 & 2022
Graduation show UCA Farnham 2020
Crafts Council London Future Edit 2021
Bevere Gallery Worcester 2021
Artists Open Houses Brighton 2021
South East Open Studios 2021 & 2022
Art in Clay Farnham 2022
The Clay Studio Barnsgate Manor Winter Fair November 2022
Fairwarp Christmas Fair
2023
Potfest Glynde 21st-23rd April
Craft in Focus Hever Castle
South East Open Studios
Crowborough open Studios
2024
Potfest Glynde 10th-12th May
Sullington Manor Farm Exhibition 16th-27th May
Southeast Open Studios June
Contact
07710 006805
bill.gowans@yahoo.co.uk
