Exhibiting in China, Jingdezhen, porcelain capital of the world.

This October I have been invited to exhibit my work at the Taoxichuan Autumn Fair 2025 in Jingdezhen, China – a city regarded as the porcelain capital of the world. The fair is one of the most significant international events for ceramics, drawing artists, collectors, galleries, and visitors from around the globe. It takes place in the Taoxichuan cultural district, where contemporary makers present their work alongside the backdrop of Jingdezhen’s thousand-year history of porcelain production. 

My work has also been selected for exhibition at the Qiumo Art Gallery in Jingdezhen. Qiumo is well known for curating contemporary ceramics from around the world, giving a platform to both established makers and emerging voices. It is a space that celebrates experimentation, excellence, and the ongoing legacy of porcelain. To have my work shown there is an extraordinary opportunity to connect with an international audience in a gallery dedicated to the highest level of ceramic art.

 

 

 

 

 

I will be exhibiting these small Seapods at the Autumn Fair, Jingdezhen                

My itinerary is full of opportunities to learn, exchange ideas, and see firsthand the places that have shaped porcelain for centuries, and immerse myself in the rich history and traditions of Chinese ceramics and craft.

I will be travelling to:

  • Studio Lizhen in Lulu
  • The Sculpture Factory in Xiaolin
  • The Antique Kilns in Taoxichuan
  • The Imperial Porcelain Factory in Jingdezhen
  • Glazeshop Street in Jingdezhen
  • The Big Pot Factory in Jingdezhen
  • Gallery Street in Jingdezhen

I’ll also take part in a workshop on painting blue-and-white porcelain and making brushes in Yi Zhi, as well as experiencing a tea ceremony in Yi Zhi and attending the opening of a paper kiln there.

I’ll be able to explore the historic Yaoli village, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty around 1600. Beyond Jingdezhen, I will visit the Terra Cotta Warriors, the Shanxi Provincial Historical Museum, and the Forbidden City.

My own ceramic practice explores form, surface, and flowing movement echoing bodies of water, to create sculptural pieces that balance fragility with strength.  What also excites me about this opportunity is not only sharing my work in such significant venues but also seeing how it sits within these art spaces and conversations in China. Experiencing how my ceramics are received in a culture so deeply entwined with porcelain will be invaluable, both personally and artistically.

These exhibitions and travels mark an important step in my journey as a ceramic artist. I’m looking forward to sharing glimpses of the fairs, galleries, and workshops as they unfold. 

Valentine Clays 

Art in Clay Hatfield 2015 - Friday 5th through to Sunday 7th July. I thoroughly enjoyed giving a Talk/Demo: Piercing The Sea In Porcelain. Creating one of my  wave bowls. This involved throwing, turning, piercing and sculpting to capture the essence of the sea. Kindly captured on video by Valentine Clays, Hannah. Thank you Hannah!- click the button below to view. 

Hatfield Demonstration 2015 - courtesy of Valentine Clays

It is lovely to be part of the Valentine Clay Calendar 2016, donations from each sale go to Lisa Hammond's Adopt a Potter.  

Valentine Clays 2016 Calendar

POSTED ON: 9th Nov 2015

The Valentine Clay's annual calendar.







January & February - Clare Wakefield Ceramics

March & April - Katy O'Neil Ceramics
May & June - Mark Smith Ceramics
July & August - Pollie & Garry Uttley Ceramics
September & October - Tony Laverick Ceramics
November & December - Sourdust Pottery

 

 


Clare Wakefield works on the Kent coast and her environment and love of the sea is clearly reflected in her ceramics. 


Clare delves into a combination of themes from nature and our world. She is drawn to water and exploring coastlines, and has to be in or on the water wherever she visits. One of her most memorable travels was to the dramatic coastlines of New Zealand. Flowing lines evoke thoughts of ever moving oceans. Further elements remind us of the creatures that call the seas their home. Birth, regeneration and the bond between mother and child are recurring themes.

 

 

 

 Another conspicuous aspect of Clare’s work is in the challenging engineering and the desire to push the clay to its limits. Many pieces are pierced to such a degree that the body is barely there. The piercings themselves play with the piece to induce the idea of movement and growth. Her use of blue, green and white glazes on a porcelain body also draw feelings of the underwater world that inspires her.

 

Clare’s love of ceramics started at school. She was encouraged by an enthusiastic teacher and spent free periods in the school pottery taking her first steps exploring the medium. After school she did a foundation year, a BTEC course at Kent Institute of Art and Design followed by her degree in Cardiff. As part of her degree course she also studied in Limoges for some months. Through tutorials and various course projects, with tutors including Geoff Swindell, Mick Casson, and Alan Barrett Danes, Clare's work began to find a natural path of progression. It was at Cardiff that she felt she could really push the boundaries to explore and develop her forms and methods of presentation. Sea Pods were hung from high, placed in boxes, balanced on pebbles, placed inside one another and paired or grouped in threes.

Potfest Scotland 2019 

In June I exhibited at Potfest Scotland for the first time after many years of really wanting to. A fantastic show that I will definitely look to add to my calendar from now on. Set in beautiful grounds, well organised and I'm sure a delight to visit for ceramics enthusiasts.

 

Another new show in July was equally welcome. A return to Waterperry Gardens in Oxfordshire and many happy memories of Art in Action. Celebrating Ceramics presented by Craft in Focus was a brilliant new show.

 

www.potfest.co.uk/Potfest-Scotland/

Bonsai