Deborah Harwood Vessel 16

Deborah works exclusively with hand thrown porcelain, primarily using the Neriage technique, a traditional Japanese method of layering coloured clays to form intricate patterns within the porcelain. The work has a translucent glaze on the interior and after firing the exterior of the piece is sanded and polished to create a silk like and smooth surface.

Deborah Harwood began her career in the arts as a literary agent, representing writers and directors until 2003, when she moved to Sussex and rediscovered her childhood love of art. She went on to earn a BA in Textile Art from Winchester School of Art, establish her own studio, and teach a textile art foundation course. Before the Covid pandemic, Deborah took a sabbatical to focus on developing her own practice. While working with silk organza, she envisioned combining it with porcelain. A two-hour throwing workshop ignited a lasting passion for ceramics, leading her to buy a wheel and clay and practice daily. Deborah has exhibited all over the country and her work is in private collections all over the world.