Babs Kirby

I’ve been messing about with clay for nearly twenty years now, starting out at Morley College in London. Since moving to Dorset, I’ve become a member of Westcountry Potters and Upwey Ceramics, a sculpture group who meet weekly and exhibit every year in Upwey Village Hall.

My work has evolved over the years, but what’s stayed the same is I still hand-build. I’ve developed a passion for totem poles and am showing two small indoor totems here but six-foot totems are on view in my courtyard.

I’m inspired by primitive art and by the local flora and fauna. All my small sculptures are Raku fired. I love the drama and unpredictability of Raku firing.
My handmade beads are fired in an electric kiln and made up into necklaces with lava beads and Indian silver beads.

I’m interested in firing dichroic glass more recently and my dichroic glass earrings and pendants are fired in the same kiln but at a lower temperature.