FiredForms | About Us

My name is Paula Downing and I have worked with clay for most of my life. I was an instructor of Fine Art and Ceramics until I took a bold leap of faith to leave and pursue my own creative endeavours.

I have always been interested in many creative outlets of the Arts; drawing, painting, photography, theatre/costume design in addition to aspects of ancient and medieval history and archaeology. Naturally, all these interests shape my work. Ideas evolve through drawing, painting, photographs, collected objects and memories from a rich and diverse lifetime of experience. I am also inspired by walks in the countryside and my connection with the earth while tending my garden.

My Firedforms open studio/gallery is at Mawnan Smith in Cornwall, just a few miles from Falmouth; part of 'the Old Smithy Workshops' in the centre of the village behind the Red Lion pub.

The studio is ideally situated and near the beautiful Helford River and popular gardens of Carwinion, Trebah and Glendurgan. Visitors find inspiration in the wonderful countryside, beaches and waterways, and hearty sustenance in the local cafes, restaurants and pubs.

Click here for detailed address and other contact information.

I specialise in Hand Building using coiling and slab building techniques to form the basic structure of the pieces and oxides and slips for the decoration. Glazes are only used to make a piece more functional. I use a variety of clays that are usually heavily grogged (supplemented with various minerals) which give my pieces amazing texture and depth. My work varies in size from around 15cm (6in.) to about 210cm (7ft.). I tend to work in series, producing variations originating from a core theme or subject. Each piece is unique and has its own identity and presence. The pieces reflect the essence of Cornwall and create an air of mystery and myth.

I am passionate about creating images and sculptural work which reflects the incredible diversity of environment. As a teacher, one of my primary goals was to help students truly 'see' the world around them, so that their lives might be enriched by their observations. My ceramics are profound statements and have a rich and meaningful background to their existence.

I have exhibited at many ceramics fairs, and galleries throughout the country, in Australia and on the Continent.

As a member of Cornwall Crafts Association, my work can be found at Trelowarren and Trelissick as well as other galleries in and out of Cornwall.

However, the majority of my work is on display at my Firedforms open studio/gallery at Mawnan Smith.

• Cornwall Crafts Association (member)

welcome | online studio
workshops information | about firedforms
contact us