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Chris PlumRIDGE

Profile on a successful Victorian ceramist

Chris Plumridge at work

What do you make?
I make functional ceramics... cups, teabowls, teapots, bowls, vases, lidded boxes and small containers for uncertain uses (stars). I also occasionally make specific objects for clients who require unusual items, eg a container for breeding fish in a fish tank (a flask).

What's your working environment like?
My working environment is about 100 square metres of factory space in a group a factoriettes - 12 factories side by side on the one block with single brick walls separating each space and a driveway surrounding the building. The space is large and well lit with overhead skylights where I house my potters wheel, benches, separate office space and large Electric Kiln.

Can you survive on your craft, or do you rely on other income?
Yes, I can survive on my craft although I still rely on other income to soften the lean times when either other businesses are not paying promptly or sales from consignment stock is slow. Purchasing outright helps maintain a good cash flow otherwise it can be uncertain relying on businesses paying on time.

Do you keep a balance between production and exhibition work?
Generally I do not do exclusive exhibition work other than single pieces for competition shows and group shows. I have not held my own solo show as the commitment to the length of time and money for completing work for a set show date is too risky for me to consider yet. I rely on orders and outright purchases from retailers to pay my rent and expenses.

What do you enjoy most about making?
I enjoy the feeling of satisfaction that comes from creating a very fine piece, I realise my own nature, the sense that you are the God of a thing. It is a spiritual process.

What do you enjoy least?
Numbers seem to be the thing I least enjoy, counting the quantities of shapes that I make or calculating the time it takes or the quantity of material used in something or working out the number for a price.

What would you like to be doing in 10 years time?
I was making ceramics 10 years back so I would think in 10 years time I hope that I would be doing it better. Making and creating better and better.

Visit Chris Plumridge's web site.

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