This October I have been invited to exhibit my work at the Taoxichuan Autumn Fair 2025 in Jingdezhen, China – a city regarded as the porcelain
capital of the world. The fair is one of the most significant international events for ceramics, drawing artists, collectors, galleries, and visitors from around the globe. It takes place in the
Taoxichuan cultural district, where contemporary makers present their work alongside the backdrop of Jingdezhen’s thousand-year history of porcelain production.
I will be exhibiting these small Seapods at the Autumn Fair, Jingdezhen
Ocean Diving Seapod to be exhibited in the Qiumo Art Gallery
My work has also been selected for exhibition at the Qiumo Art Gallery in Jingdezhen. Qiumo is
well known for curating contemporary ceramics from around the world, giving a platform to both established makers and emerging voices. It is a space that celebrates experimentation, excellence,
and the ongoing legacy of porcelain. To have my work shown there is an extraordinary opportunity to connect with an international audience in a gallery dedicated to the highest level of ceramic
art.
My itinerary is full of opportunities to learn, exchange ideas, and see firsthand the places that have shaped porcelain for centuries, and immerse myself in the
rich history and traditions of Chinese ceramics and craft.
I will be travelling to:
Studio Lizhen in Lulu
The Sculpture Factory in Xiaolin
The Antique Kilns in Taoxichuan
The Imperial Porcelain Factory in Jingdezhen
Glazeshop Street in Jingdezhen
The Big Pot Factory in Jingdezhen
Gallery Street in Jingdezhen
I’ll also take part in a workshop on painting blue-and-white porcelain and making brushes in Yi Zhi, as well as experiencing
a tea ceremony in Yi Zhi and attending the opening of a paper kiln there.
I’ll be able to explore the historic Yaoli village, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty around 1600. Beyond Jingdezhen, I will visit the Terra
Cotta Warriors, the Shanxi Provincial Historical Museum, and the Forbidden City.
My own ceramic practice explores form, surface, and flowing movement echoing bodies of water, to create sculptural pieces that balance fragility with strength.
What also excites me about this opportunity is not only sharing my work in such significant venues but also seeing how it sits within these art spaces and conversations in China.
Experiencing how my ceramics are received in a culture so deeply entwined with porcelain will be invaluable, both personally and artistically.
These exhibitions and travels mark an important step in my journey as a ceramic artist. I’m looking forward to
sharing glimpses of the fairs, galleries, and workshops as they unfold.
In June I exhibited at Potfest Scotland for the first time after many years of really wanting to. A fantastic show that I will definitely look to add to my calendar from now on. Set in beautiful
grounds, well organised and I'm sure a delight to visit for ceramics enthusiasts.
Another new show in July was equally welcome. A return to Waterperry Gardens in Oxfordshire and many happy memories of Art in Action. Celebrating Ceramics presented by Craft in Focus was a
brilliant new show.
Clare Wakefield works on the Kent coast and her environment and love of the sea is clearly reflected in her ceramics. To inspire her for the day ahead, whatever season, she often has an early
morning sea swim.
Clare delves into a combination of themes from nature and our world. She is drawn to water and exploring coastlines, and has to be in or on the water wherever she visits. One of her most
memorable travels was to the dramatic coastlines of New Zealand. Flowing lines evoke thoughts of ever moving oceans. Further elements remind us of the creatures that call the seas their home.
Birth, regeneration and the bond between mother and child are recurring themes.
Clare Wakefield Dish
Clare Wakefield Globe
Another conspicuous aspect of Clare’s work is in the challenging engineering and the desire to push the clay to its limits. Many pieces are pierced to such a degree that the body is barely
there. The piercings themselves play with the piece to induce the idea of movement and growth. Her use of blue, green and white glazes on a porcelain body also draw feelings of the underwater
world that inspires her.
Clare Wakefield Pods
Clare’s love of ceramics started at school. She was encouraged by an enthusiastic teacher and spent free periods and other lessons she could miss in the school pottery taking her first steps
exploring the medium. After school she did a foundation year, then a BTEC course at Kent Institute of Art and Design followed by a degree at Cardiff, during which time she also studied in
Limoges. Through tutorials and various course projects, with tutors including Mick Casson, Alan Barrett Danes, Peter Beard and Geoff Swindell, Clare's work began to find a natural path of
progression. It was at Cardiff that she felt she could really push the boundaries and explore and develop the shapes, and methods of presentation. Sea Pods were hung from high, placed in boxes,
balanced on pebbles, placed inside one another.
Lovely to be part of the Valentine Clay Calendar 2016, details of how you can buy one and donate to Lisa Hammond's Adopt a Potter below.
Valentine Clays 2016 Calendar
POSTED ON: 9th Nov 2015
The Valentine Clay's annual calendar is now on sale and is made up of 6 studio potters from our Online Gallery:
This year each potter will have two images displaying their talented work along with a statement and quote about what they do.
The calendar is currently being sold for £5.07 (this includes 91p postage) and for every
one sold Valentine Clays will donate £1 to Lisa Hammond's Adopt a Potter.
Click hereto
purchase 2016 calendar or call 01782 271200.
