Chicken Run Studio

To find me: The pottery studio is in the Chicken Run in the back garden of The New House, Tanners Lane, off Queens Street. There is parking just outside in front of the garage.

About me: I was drawn to wheel-thrown pottery when I first went to Palmerston North Teachers college in New Zealand. The Pottery Department was led by the renowned New Zealand potter Stan Jenkins.

That was 40 years ago! However, in anticipation of my retirement and since then, I now have my own studio. The 'girls' (my chickens!) are an inspiration and take a keen interest in everything that is going on, eagerly wandering into the studio and reluctantly leaving as they are shooed out. Now, I can once again explore the medium of clay and try out ideas that have come to me over the years.

I work predominantly with stoneware clay, as it is strong and will take the heat of the oven and the changes in temperature outside. I have been able to hone my wheel-throwing skills, and produce functional ware that is both beautiful and textural with the clever use of glazes.

But my real interest is in following my imagination with hand-built work. Chickens, of course, have been an inspiration, as are other animals who take on a personality of their own as they develop and pose in the clay medium. I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring hand-built bowls made of coils, dots and textures, producing work that is functional and aesthetic. As these take some time to produce, each develops uniquely. The glass and glaze is the final touch that brings the work to life.

I also love Raku, which is exciting and magical as each firing is, remarkably, one of a kind. Raku is so instantaneous and is pure chemistry in action, as the glaze firing can be seen in front of your eyes. Using local clay makes me feel more inspired, as I have worked hard to remove all the stones and grit, and every piece comes straight from the earth beneath my feet.

I have produced many commissioned pieces, individualised and personalised, and am always open to new challenges.

If you are inspired by what you see and would be keen to visit or purchase any of my work, please get in touch.

The Chicken Run Studio

Lessons

I do enjoy teaching and working in small groups and one-on-one to help people to play to their strengths, develop new skills and have fun with clay. I am, however, reducing my teaching time so that I can have some 'me time' in my favourite place (my studio!), and see more of family and friends. For this reason, spaces are limited on the workshops I offer, so please enquire as to availability. You can email me at achholmans60@gmail.com 

Single session workshop - 3 hours - £100 for 1 person, £180 for 2 people, £240 for 3 people

• Handbuilding techniques - 1, 2 or 3 people
• Handbuilding and wheel experience - 1, 2 or 3 people
• Wheel-throwing introductory session - one-on-one
• Wheel throwing
• Cost includes tuition, clay, tools, materials, glazes, and bisque and glaze firings
• You will come away with at least 3 bespoke pieces 

Regular sessions - 2 hours minimum - £30 per person per hour

• Wheel throwing - one-on-one
• Handbuilding 1 or 2 people
• Includes tuition, clay, tools, materials, glazes, and bisque and glaze firings
• I will also be able to keep your work in a workable condition, so it is ready for when you return for your next session

Sessions are bespoke for you, and designed to help you to correct and improve your technique, as well as to learn tips and hints along the way. I am willing to work with anyone, from a complete novice to someone who is experienced and wants to hone their skills or learn specific techniques. You will be taken through all stages required and be actively involved throughout.