Gary Sampson

Biography

Gary Sampson studied Fine art for 5 years and Ceramics for 2 years at the Derby and District College of Art in the mid fifties. After graduation he taught in Derbyshire schools and Adult education. In 1991 he took early retirement and fulfilled an ambition to work as an independent artist and potter.

Working in two contrasting disciplines with their differing problems and demands provides Gary with the challenges and stimuli that sustains him as a potter and a painter. His passion is with making functional stoneware pottery for use in the home and he gains great fulfilment and personal satisfaction from people using his pottery in their daily lives.

Gary produces a wide range of domestic ware which is wheel thrown and fired in a gas kiln to 1280/1300 degrees with a slight reduction. He uses some traditional glazes but prefers to use his own wood ash glazes which gives his work subtlety in colour texture and finish.

Gary also paints dynamic landscapes, some semi abstract, which are syntheses of his immediate, rugged environment and are painted in oils, gouache and coloured inks. His work, in both disciplines, is represented in private collections in the UK and France and in the collections of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Museum service and the Ilkeston Erewash museum. Visitors are welcome to the pottery and studio but are advised to telephone first.