THE WEY GALLERY |  Joanne Cooke

I glaze fire to approx 1245c in an electric kiln. Pieces are decorated in appropriately coloured stoneware glazes based on various acquired recipes.

Joanne studied at the Manchester Metropolitan University from 1991-1995 gaining a BA(Hons) 3D Design (wood, metal, ceramics & glass)

“My ceramic work initially took the form of small scale box forms, a theme which began during my time at Manchester Metropolitan University. A few years after graduation, inspired by a sketch I did of our "family dog", I decided to try making on a large scale. The experience marked a turning point in my work. At first I experimented with mixed media ( a ceramic dog with cloth ears!), but now I work solely in stoneware clay, making each dog individually using a combination of coil and slab building techniques. The most fun part of the make for me is sculpting the facial expression, revealing the individual character of each dog. Working from photos and life, I try to capture the essence of many different breeds, from Chihuahuas to Deerhounds. Since making that first dog sculpture I have become well and truly dog-obsessed and in September 2003 I fulfilled my dream of finally getting a real dog. I adopted a retired racing greyhound who is my constant source of inspiration and technical reference, working (sleeping!) along side me every day in my studio”.