Collection: Paul Vining : Potter : Cardiff

Paul Vining grew up in a home environment in which ceramics were prominent and much discussed. His father, Frank Vining, was an influential teacher and head of ceramics at Cardiff College of Art during its formative years, when the department gained accreditation for both graduate and postgraduate awards. As a boy, Paul frequently helped his father in the workshop, gaining valuable knowledge of ceramic techniques and processes.

Paul works his studio in Cardiff, producing individual pieces of stoneware ceramics. The emphasis is on form, often best displayed in pairs or small groups. Some pieces are thrown, others coiled, and some produced using both techniques. The pieces are fired to 1250-1280°C in an electric kiln or gas kiln which Paul has built himself. He has developed his own glazes sometimes using local materials especially wood ash. His creative influences range from prehistoric pottery to sculptural vessels made by twentieth-century studio potters such as Hans Coper and Colin Pearson.

Paul is largely self-taught, but is grateful for advice given by other ceramicists including Michael Hose, Geoffrey Swindell, Jack Welbourne and Graham Williamson.

Paul is an associate member of the Craft Potters Association.