My name is Mari Nearney. In 1968, as part of my A-level studies I was fortunate enough to be taught ceramics by renowned potter, Derek Thornton. I was also privileged to observe his father Harold at work - Harold being a contemporary of Bernard Leach. I majored in Art at Northumberland College of Teacher Training, drawing inspiration from the work of contemporary potters of the time including Lucy Rie and Hans Coper.

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Since my retirement from teaching, I spend time in my studio where I continue to work on my throwing skills, combining slabbed and thrown techniques, drawing inspiration from natural forms and experimenting with homemade glazes and their effects on different types of clay.

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Fifty years since I threw my first pot, my love of ceramics led to a return to study as a MA Ceramics student at the University of Central Lancashire,  Preston.