Moira Goodall creates contemporary ceramic vessels, inspired by her discovery of the Essex salt marshes and tidal coast line. Using just hand-building techniques, she gradually creates her vessels one coil at a time, controlling the shapes as they grow slowly and steadily, and always mindful in finding a balance between man-made and organic forms.
Known for her unique smoke firing technique, Moira has been refining and developing this alternative and ancient firing process for over twenty years. With layered coloured slips and using her own masking methods, she is able to create depth and texture to her vessels without the use of glazes. Her aim is to create vessels that through pattern, texture, colour and form communicate the spirit of the place at both large and small scale. Each vessel represents a balance between primitive and contemporary; the random, spontaneous element of smoke firing and her intended design.
