Ten sculptures and potters are showcasing and creating art work as part of Bucks Open Studios this weekend.

Among those taking part are Chris Inder, Dorothea Reid and Kay Waite who were instrumental in setting up the workshop after graduating from Bucks New University, others taking part include former student Laura Manners who I spoke to this week.

She describes her work to me: “My ceramic art is decorative thrown ware, utilising industrially influenced forms - this being from industrial landscape and process. The graphic is inspired by memory and dream logic. Described by some people as ‘dreamscapes’.

“The illogical nature of the physical world we experience during dreams inspires the composition of illustration, while the objects I draw are all inspired by my memories. This combination of graphic and form are notably vibrant which enhances the definition between illustration and ceramic canvas.”

Laura was a creative child, yet yet always leaning to the industrial and craft side of art media.

“Growing up in rural Nottinghamshire there was always plenty to do and one of the joys of being brought up in rural communities was the traditional craft skills I had the opportunity to inherit. Skills such as knitting, crochet, sewing, painting and drawing would fill many hours.

“These skills, which I picked up, as well as many I failed to, such as lace making (of which Nottingham is famous) and corn sculpture cultured the joy from which I felt from making and producing. I thrive through feeling industrious and having now studied my art beyond simply making it is the mixture of this alongside the freedom of being artistically free and expressive that continues to drive my art today.”

Despite now being greatly skilled in this particular art form, it is not something she had any experience in until the age of twenty, from which point she admits she was hooked.

“I took part in an art foundation at Lincoln College and this is where I was introduced to the material. It was not until the realisation that we as a course would not have the opportunity to use a potter’s wheel that I chose to independently seek out additional education in ceramics.

“I soon joined an evening class at Rufford Abbey thought by artist and thrower Simon Hall. During the duration of my art foundation it was the University of Lincoln lecturer Peter Moss who would take his lunch hour supervising my developing skills. I then spent every opportunity using the shared facilities of the college and university whenever they were left unused to improve and refine my throwing skills.

Laura’s current work is on display as part of a collection of artists, Art in the Square, creating functional vessels and unusual sculptures, they are located on the ground floor in Leigh Street, off Green Street, near Desborough Road where over two dozen painters and potters are showing work.

More than 500 artists will showcase their work in over 200 venues and studios across Buckinghamshire until Sunday, June 26. Details: 01296 614283, bucksopenstudios.org.uk