How it began

About

SMC Ceramics is just me. I’m Sandra and I began my pottery journey in 2019 after retiring from the NHS, where I’d worked as a Practice nurse for more years than I dare mention.

I had no previous experience with clay,  not even at school but had been in awe for years at people who could turn what is essentially mud into the beautiful items I had collected for my home.

In 2019 I  completed 3 days of a 5 day course at Bentham pottery; due to family illness I had to leave the course early and I didn’t touch another pot until 2022 when after a house move to the North York Moors I got the chance to do a wheel throwing taster day.  The rest as they say is history.

I purchased a kick wheel to get me started  with mastering the basics of centering, opening and lifting up the clay to make some basic pots.  After 6 months I got the opportunity to buy an old electric wheel and small kiln. The wheel was noisy and the kiln poorly insulated but it took me to the next level and confirmed to me I loved everything about this art form.

At the end of 2024 I made the investment in a new wheel and a large new kiln. These allowed me to throw and fire much larger pieces. I work  mostly with stoneware clay making pieces for domestic use. I have taken influence for my glazes from the moorland landscape that surround where I live. By early 2025 I felt confident enough with the work I produce and have started offering it for sale to the public.