I am a ceramic artist creating mainly quirky animals and female figure sculptures. My work has been exhibited in many UK art galleries. A qualified tutor with over 30 years’ experience, I love passing on skills to students. I search my imagination for inspiration preferring to sculpt in a fantasy style, avoiding realism at all costs!.

In the past I have featured with my wacky sugar sculptures in the press, art publications and on BBC TV. On one occasion surprising chef, Ainsley Harriott, with a caricature made from sugar on the TV show Ready, Steady, Cook. I also discussed my huge. quirky sugar sculptures on TV whilst exhibiting them in Bowes Museum, County Durham. A big thrill for me was being commissioned to create small sculptures to be photographed for the front cover of Vogue Italia

Like many in those days, on leaving school in Shropshire I was encouraged to 'get a proper job' instead of going to art college! The only art related job in our village was hairdressing so I did that, and loved it.

After many years, and acquiring my own salon/business, I always felt frustrated and that I was in the wrong job. I wanted to create art and sculpture. With two young children and hairdressing all day I also began working late in the evenings so I could sculpt celebration cakes (an very unusual idea at that time.) Eventually of course, my health suffered so I had to choose, hair dressing or sculpture? Of course there was no competition at all!

Instead of sculpting cake I decided to build 18 inches to three feet tall, long lasting, wacky sugar and mixed media, wedding couples. With raffia or feather hair, Swarovski crystal and metal shoes etc they were definitely attention grabbing display pieces. I also produced small handmade, personalised, polymer clay cake top figures to sit on top tiers of wedding cakes

After many years I decided to leave the wedding industry and return to my original love of clay and now work with earthenware or porcelain paper clay, I’m living my dream. My characterful animals and quirky female figures often feature a steampunk twist. All of my pieces are hand built using coiling or slabbing techniques, after firing they're coloured using the 'wipe off' technique with underglazes, Mayco glazes or cold finishes. I have worked in schools, colleges, clubs, and now teach small groups in my Worcestershire studio.

Feedback:

Mandy ... It’s incredible Heather, Mick loves the sculpture. The photo doesn’t do it justice, thank you so much

Stephen ... This amazing lady creates the most evocative and detailed sculptures from clay and fabrics a real talent who's creations would be the talking point in any home.

Alfred ... Enjoyed my visit to Heather's exhibition and now the proud owner of one of her hare wall hangings now in my gallery studio at the Heritage Centre Bromyard. Third piece I have bought all much loved and admired.

‎Mary ... Wonderful, top quality work, friendly and helpful teacher. A very positive experience all round. Thank you so much, Heather. I thoroughly recommend - so get in touch and get creative!