Ceramicist and textile artisan.

Stark makes hand-built clay vessels that use the pinch and
coil method, as well as textile wall hangings. Both strands of
her work bring together organic shapes inspired by natural
forms and the rhythms of the landscape. Nature is fundamental
to her practice: in the smoke-firing technique that creates a
brindled finish, and in the natural dyes she uses.
What’s your favourite clay to work with and why?
Ashraf Hanna. Clay of dreams for a hand builder. It’s very white, fires low and I rarely get a breakage when I smoke fire.
Do you have a favourite tool?
My gnarly hands.
You collect flora to fuel the firing. How do you choose what to pick up?
A structural seed head, or beautiful grasses swaying in the breeze. There must be a clump of them; I try to tread lightly on my surroundings so always leave some behind.
What do you enjoy about the smoke-firing process?
I love that you never know what you will get. I layer sawdust and wood shavings with my ga...