My Story
Pottery has been part of my life since childhood, I spent many hours in my Dads pottery workshop at home, in Washington.
I began making my own studio pottery during my apprenticeship at Biddick Farm Arts Centre (1988-94) with my father Alan Ball. Over the years pottery has always been an important part of my life and since my family have grown up, I have more time and a lot more focus.
Since 2005 I have developed my work from glazed slip decorated work to smoke fired studio pottery. The smoked pots have a tactile earthy quality, with a soft sheen finish. Influenced initially by African Art and more recently Southern Alaskan Native Art, as well as natural forms and textures, my hand built vessels have a tribal feel. Currently I am enjoying a more contemporary development to my work. Fusing old techniques with modern design.
I work from my studio in Westerton, Co Durham, where I am constantly trying to improve my building skill and the surface quality of my work, as well as decoration techniques.
I also lead active workshops.
Laura in her studio.
A Little Bit of History
I would always help my Dad, with Craft Markets and general pottery tasks. Every sunday we would pack up the trailer and head off to Jesmond Bridge. A great market in the 1970’s. This is me aged 10. I’m a bit smug because my little table was covered in pottery animals and I’d sold out by lunch time. The ice creams were on me that day.
I made this little rabbit family for my Mam in 1971. These sets were a best seller. Its a shame about her ear, but she has moved house a few times.
1991 Me and Dad
This picture was taken by the Northern Echo in 1991. The article was about the Northern Potters Exhibition that was to be held at the Washington Arts Centre. I helped Dad set the exhibition as it was on our turf, I seem to remember painting a lot of plinths. My slab built pots were slip decorated with fantasy foliage in those days, with a clear earthenware glaze. I still have a couple of these pots.