Printed Pots

a new twist in an ancient craft

About us

My late wife Joan and I have been making pots for over 50 years. In 2014 we began to experiment with printing clay using a 3D printer which makes it possible to create ceramic forms not achievable by other means. There were no commercial 3D printers available to do what we envisaged, so we built our first 3D printer ourselves. We began to combine art, craft and technology in a new way, opening up possiblities that are fascinating to explore. 

The pots start with an idea often inspired by natural forms or by a natural process. The idea has to be captured and developed as a digital design which is practical to print in wet clay. The technology requires time and patience to master but the hardest part is to have a deep understanding of the material – clay. Achieving the right consistency of clay is an art in itself. The new forms and textures demand fresh approaches to colouring, glazing and firing to make the forms come alive. 3D printing with clay remains a craft process with hands-on work over several days to achieve a good result. 

I live in Cumbria, UK, at the edge of the Lake District National Park. Sadly my wife died in 2021. I continue to pursue my own ideas and I have my wife's digital designs to work with and develop so her work lives on thanks to 3D printing.

Jack Hardie