PROFILE In our new monthly craft column, Clare Kelly meets local makers to talk about their work and inspiration. This month, she meets potter Katherine Winfrey in her Barnack studio
MEET THE MAKER
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IRDS perched daintily on top of teapots, foxes chasing rabbits around and around and chickens too, are on the run – Katherine’s world is full of animals. Each is brought to life by her hands, their character forming under her fingertips. They might only be made of clay but each creation has its own personality, something that cannot be doubted if you look closely. At the time I meet Katherine, she’s thinking a lot about birds and we talk at length about our favourites. She tells me that the creative process often begins while she’s walking the dogs either along the river in Stamford or out across the fields in Bainton; a sketch might appear on the back of an envelope and while her two terriers nap in the studio by the fire, she begins work. Rows of pots are ready to be fired and before I arrive, she’s been hard at work and created some jugs too. On the side, there are rows of tiles adorned with cheery dogs for a lady who commissioned them for her kitchen. The back of each tile is embossed with a different pattern created by laying the wet clay over wallpaper – it won’t be seen once it is placed on the wall. It’s like a secret. But there’s a function too, it gives the adhesive something to grip on to. “I like to make functional earthenware but want people to enjoy using it and for it to have its own narrative. I think that when you look at
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it, you can make up your own story. My birds are cheeky chappies with plenty of personality,” she says. During the early 90s, Katherine spent time in La Borne, France, working under the potter Eric Astoul — a relationship that came about through the twinning of Peterborough with Bourges. It was here she became inspired by the French traditions and countryside and its Gallic charm clearly made an impression on her as she regularly attends French country dancing events in Ketton at the Northwick Arms. “If you like dancing, you must go,” she urges me. That evening, she is off to a Swedish dance evening that takes place once a year. As a newcomer to the area, her suggestions inspire me to dust off my dancing shoes.
Take 5 Exhibition in April
Of course, one of her favourite places locally is Stamford Arts Centre whom she credits as a great support not only to her but the artistic community as a whole. In April, Katherine will be joined by Pat Armstrong, Karen Atherley, Alison Coaten, Tydd Pottery in the Centre’s gallery to showcase a range of works from crockery to sculptures as part of the Take 5 exhibition. If you’re new to pottery or already a fan, why not pop along? And if you want to see more, there’s a Pottery Market in May also at
the Arts Centre. It’s the sixth year, Katherine has organised the market and this one is set to be bigger than the last with more than 20 exhibitors and live music from Alan Wood plus each maker will be donating a handmade planter to the tombola. Every person who buys a ticket is guaranteed to win and the proceeds raised will go to Sue Ryder Care in Peterborough. “It’s a way to give something back to the community and because the Arts Centre is so generous, we can raise even more.” Before I leave, Katherine asks me to follow her into the garden. We stop in front of a wall and for a while, I’m unsure what we are here for. And then I see it. Shards of pottery have been added to the top of the dry stone wall to make a mosaic-like effect; it’s a surprise, another example of Katherine’s whimsical, wonderful nature. • Find out more at: www.katherinewinfrey.co.uk Take 5 9-24 April, 10am-5pm Stamford Arts Centre Stamford Pottery Market 1-2 May, 11am-5pm Stamford Arts Centre www.stamfordartscentre.com
STAMFORD LIVING APRIL 2016
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