Gordon Cooke
Demonstrations form the basic approach to my teaching followed through with individual guidance and encouragement to find the students own voice.
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?They will gain the confidence to express themselves in the medium of clay. They will be stimulated by my enthusiasm for the material, whether they have experience or are beginners.
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?I have evolved several techniques and processes over the years into a personal style which students are encouraged to tap into.
What inspires your own work?My own work is inspired by my involvement with the landscape and plants. I am interested in the effect humans have had on the landscape and the way this changes over time. Maps and plans; aerial photographs and the detail of nature all inspire, as does the way clay behaves when subjected to drying and stresses.
Where did you gain your training? Experience?
I was trained at the ‘CheshireSchool of Art’ where I gained a diploma in fine art and design. I have been a full time ceramist since 1976
Teaching experience:I started teaching in 1979 at establishments in Manchester. I have taught continuously at West Dean since 1986. I run courses in Spain, Portugal and at my home in south Manchester.
Is your work in any public or private collections?Public collections include:
Montreal museum, Canada
CologneMuseum of Art, Germany
Valencia National Museum of Ceramics, Spain
BuckinghamshireCountyMuseum, Aylesbury UK
ArkansasArtGallery, Little Rock US
My work is in countless private collections.
I have contributed to books on ceramics.
I have had several articles published in Ceramic Review ( nos 135; 141 and 189)
My work and garden are featured in ‘DreamGardens’ by Andrew Lawson 2007 and ‘The Historic Gardens of England’ Cheshire vol. By Tim Mowl 2008