Details
| First Name | Ashley |
| Last Name | Howard |
| Nickname | ashley-howard |
My Ceramics
| In the studio I like to do | Handbuilding, Throwing on the Wheel, Sculpting |
| Pottery Wheel | shimpo |
| Clay body | Earthenware, Stoneware, Porcelain |
| Clay Brand | clay supplied by valentines uk |
| Kiln Type | Electric Kiln |
| Kiln Atmosphere | Oxidation Atmosphere |
| Temperature | 1100 to 1260 |
| You can buy my work from |
About Me
| Introduction | Ashley Howard originally comes from maidstone, Kent UK. he now lives in Farnham, Surrey UK. In 2004/5 Howard collaborated with fellow RCA alumnus Martin Lungley for the touring exhibition Full Circle. The exhibition was designed to showcase the possibilities of wheel-thrown ceramics, the catalogue included contributions by Alison Britton and Emmanuel Cooper. Howard’s next project was the ambitious Ritual and Setting. This was an exhibition of work made for and inspired by Winchester cathedral. The supporting catalogue includes articles by Professor Simon Olding, Professor Dame Magdalene Odundo OBE and Amanda Fielding. Between 2012 and 2014 Howard worked on a collaborative project with Japanese Potter, Risa Ohgi the resulting exhibition, Shima Kara Shima E (From Island to Island) opened at the Leach Gallery in St Ives. In 2014 Howard spent the summer working at Shigaraki developing a new range work that set out to explore his interests in colour and spirituality. The work on to be shown at Guildford cathedral in 2018 as the exhibition, Meditations. The catalogue included articles by Adrian Bland, Reverend Canon Dr Julie Gittoes and James Rawlin. 2017 saw Howard working with JJ Rawlin Art Advisory to exhibit alongside paintings and drawings by William Scott RA at a private address in London. In November 2018 Howard was invited by Tsinghua University. Widely seen as China’s leading arts institution, Tsinghua invited Howard to exhibit in the 6th International Tea Culture Exchange Exhibition and Conference. Howard was the only westerner taking part. He was among two hundred plus participants from China, Japan and Korea. This added special significance to Ashley’s inclusion and is an indicator of how well received his work is in the Far-East. Writer and critic David Whiting has said of Howard’s work, The work of Ashley Howard remains extraordinarily fresh. He is an assured but rigorous explorer and celebrant of the past, clearly indebted to a variety of ceramics traditions, but he has been able to absorb these ideas into a very modern, resourceful and uncommonly free language of his own. |
| My Artist Statement | My research takes in a range of issues that could loosely be grouped under the heading the relationships between people, spaces and ceramic as material.  More specifically my specialism lies within the realm of the ritualistic and ceremonial vessel. After graduating from the Royal College of Art I was part of a wider movement that had begun to reappraise the locations and situations in which ceramics is displayed and accessed by the public. I carved out my own path by reviving the idea of contemporary ceramics being displayed in ecclesiastical settings. Earlier precedents had been set by Hans Coper in Coventry (1950s) and Robin Welch in Lincoln (1980s). These examples were commissions, since then little had taken place in cathedrals as exhibition spaces for ceramics. I revived this in 2009 leading with my exhibition Ritual and Setting held at Winchester cathedral, the cathedral’s first exhibition of ceramics, Julian Stair followed in 2013 with Quietus.  The broad themes above run through my involvement in the well documented Anglo-Japanese relationship surrounding ceramics. The twentieth century saw many western potters replicating the Japanese approach to making. In reappraising this I was keen to interpret rather than replicate and create more of an equal dialogue that brought western ceramic traditions into the picture. This was realised through my unique collaboration with Japanese potter Risa Ohgi, in the project Shima Kara Shima E (From Island to Island). Here we looked at the tea-drinking culture of our countries as a way of extending debate around cultural appropriation and the absorption of foreign traditions into new languages.  In 2018 my substantial links with Japan and China played out again as part of my solo exhibition, Meditations, at Guildford cathedral. A very different setting and approach to Winchester. Again, I was the first to exhibit ceramics at this venue, leading the way this time by deliberately not competing with the scale of the space and installing smaller pieces for the visitor to happen upon.  Fundamental to my work is the potter’s wheel. I am staking out new territory in the discipline that fuses clays that do not normally marry well. I have begun to use glaze as glue to flux elements together. I have become known for a highly expressive use of the wheel that captures its dynamism. I push the material to the very edge of destruction firing pieces multiple times; I no longer see pieces as finished reflecting here upon the object as process; to that end, exhibited work has sometimes been returned to the kiln. Composer John Cage spoke of a world of events as opposed to objects. This view steers my approach. |
| My CV |
Ashley Howard QUALIFICATIONS 2003                MA, Ceramics and Glass. Royal College of Art 1993                Fully qualified teaching status awarded by DES 1987                HND, Ceramics, University of Creative Arts, Rochester EMPLOYMENT HISTORY 2019 – date     Senior Lecturer, BA/MA Ceramics and Glass, UCA, Farnham 2010 – 2024     Frensham Heights School 2009 – date     Lecturer, Ceramics, BA (Hons) Glass, Ceramics, Jewellery, Metals, UCA, Farnham BA (Hons) Three-Dimensional Design & Contemporary Craft Practice: Ceramics 2008 – 2009     Lecturer, Ceramics, BA (Hons), MA Coordinator, Crafts, UCA, Farnham 2006 – 2008        Course Leader BA & MA 3D Design, UCA, Farnham 2006 – 2007     Lecturer, Ceramics, BA (Hons) 3D Design, UCA, Farnham 2004 – 2006     Visiting Lecturer: BA (Hons) Wood, Metal, Ceramics & Plastics BA (Hons) Three-Dimensional Design University of Brighton 2004 – 2006     Visiting Lecturer: BA (Hons) Ceramics, Christchurch University College, Canterbury 2002 – 2003     Visiting Lecturer: BA (Hons) Ceramics, University of Creative Arts, Rochester 2000 – 2001     Acting Course Leader: BA (Hons) Ceramics, University of Westminster, Harrow 1989 – 2000     Practising Potter & Visiting Lecturer at various institutions 1987 – 1989     Technician: NDD & HND Ceramics, University of Creative Arts, Rochester MEMBERSHIPS 2015                International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) 2010                Research Institute, University for the Creative Arts 2009                Contemporary Applied Arts, London 2008                Trustee, Farnham Pottery Trust http://www.318ceramics.co.uk 2007                Brother, Art Workers Guild 2001                Fellow, Higher Education Academy 2001                Member, General Teaching Council 1993                Fellow, Craft Potters Association AWARDS INCLUDE 2024                Knowledge Exchange Fund: UCA/318Ceramics, UCA Farnham 2017                Research Fund: ISCAEE UK: UCA, Farnham 2016                Research Fund: Material Symphysis exhibition catalogue, UCA, Crafts Study Centre 2015                Research Fund: ISCAEE: China: UCA, Farnham 2014                Research Fund: Shima Kara Shima E exhibition catalogue, UCA, Leach Gallery Research Fund: Meditations, Shigaraki Residency, Japan/exhibition Guildford cathedral Arts Council: Meditations, Shigaraki Residency, Japan/exhibition Guildford cathedral 2013                Research Fund: ISCAEE Turkey: UCA, Farnham 2012                Arts Council: part of team set up of http://www.318Ceramics.co.uk 2011                Research fund: ISCAEE Japan: UCA, Farnham 2008                Arts Council grant: Ritual & Setting 2008                Research fund: Ritual & Setting: UCA, Farnham 2004                Arts Council grant: Full Circle 2004                Research fund: Full Circle: UCA, Rochester 2002                Shortlist, Twyfords Bathtime project, Royal College of Art 1997                Peers Award, Art in Clay, Hatfield House 1995                Peers Award, Milsbeek, Netherlands SELECTED WORKSHOPS, RESIDENCIES AND SEMINARS 2023    Demonstrator, 2023 International Ceramics Congress, online hosted by Ceramics School, Austria 2019    Art, Science and Culture, paper at the Science, Culture, and Fashion Festival, Beijing Institute for fashion and Technology, China Residency for Tsinghua University at Jingdezheng, China 2018    Residency and conference, 6th International Tea Exchange Exhibition and Conference, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China 2017    Director of ISCAEE Symposium, UCA, Farnham 2016    Material Symphysis symposium, UCA, Farnham. Speakers – Simon Olding, Lesley Millar, Debra Allman, Risa Ohgi, Catherine Slade-Brooking, Rebecca Skeels, Chris Jones, Hiroshi Kaito, Satoshi Mizushiro 2015                Demonstrator/Speaker/Exhibitor, ISCAEE Conference, Jingdezhen/Yixing, China Invited Artist, 5th International Golcuk Ceramics Symposium, Turkey 2014    Hosted Shima Kara Shima E symposium, UCA, Farnham. Speakers – Simon Olding, Felicity Aylieff, Bonnie Kemske, Namiko Murakoshi Residency, SCCP, Shigaraki, Japan Lecture/Demonstration, Tokyo University of Fine Art, Geidai, Japan 2013                Demonstrator/Speaker/Exhibitor ISCAEE Conference, Turkey 2012                Residency, Tokyo Geidai, Japan 2011                Demonstrator/Speaker ISCAEE Conference, Japan 2010                Master Class with Koie Ryoji & Walter Keeler, V&A Artist in Residence, Appledore Arts Festival, Devon 2009                Demonstrator/Speaker IMECE, Anadolu University, Turkey 2007                Demonstrator, ISCAEE Conference, UCA, Farnham 2006                Demonstrator/Speaker ISCAEE Conference, Tsinghua University, Beijing 2003 – 2004     Artist in Residence: University of Creative Arts, Rochester 2001                Ashley Howard & Mo Jupp, Symposium, Tel-Hai, Israel 1995 – 2000     Demonstrations for numerous artist’s and potter’s groups SOLO EXHIBITIONS INCLUDE 2025                Interplay, Newlands House Gallery, Petworth 2024                Surface in Form, Gallery St Ives, Tokyo, Japan 2021                Gathered Thoughts, Contemporary Ceramics, London 2018                Meditations: Guildford cathedral 2010                Ritual and Setting, St Mary’s Church, Wirksworth 2009                Ritual and Setting, Crafts Study Centre 2009                Ritual and Setting, Winchester Cathedral 2008                Showcase, Cotemporary Ceramics, London 2000                One Two Five Gallery, Bath 1999                Lynn Strover Gallery, Cambridge 1998                Galerie van Meensel, Belgium 1996                Nijmegen Museum, Netherlands 2/3 PERSON EXHIBITIONS INCLUDE 2020                La Porcelaine Aujord’hui, Galerie du Don, France 2018                Clay Stories a response to Leith Hill Place, National Trust: 318 Ceramics 2017    Exploring the Vessel, Paintings & Drawings: William Scott. Ceramics: Ashley Howard, at private residence in Holland Park, London InPrint Biennial, Studio Eleven, Hull, UK 2014                Shima Kara Shima E, Foyer Gallery, UCA Farnham Shima Kara Shima E, Leach Pottery Gallery, St Ives 2011                Bettles Gallery 2010                Spring Show, The Stour Gallery, Shipston-on-Stour 2007                Bettles Gallery 2004 – 2005     Full Circle, Ashley Howard & Martin Lungley, international touring exhibition Brown, Bickers & Howard, The Tunnel Gallery, Tonbridge School 2003                Thomas Corman Arts, Cork Street Brown, Bickers & Howard, Urban Interiors, London 1997                Ashley Howard & John Pollex, Bettles Gallery GROUP EXHIBITIONS INCLUDE 2024    Collect, Crafts Council, Sommerset House, with Contemporary Applied Arts, London 2023    British Art and Studio Ceramics Since 1950 II, Cromwell Place, London with JJ Rawlin. 2022    Farnham, Oxford Ceramics Gallery 2021    British Art and Studio Ceramics Since 1950 I, Cromwell Place, London with JJ Rawlin. 2019    Brushed, curated by Kyra Cane, GalleyTop, Derbyshire ISCAEE: Dankook University, Seoul, South Korea Ceramic Art London, Central St Martins 2018                6th International Tea Exchange Exhibition, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China 2017                ISCAEE: UCA, Farnham Heritage and Diversity: Hanyang University Museum Gallery, South Korea. 2016                Material Symphysis, UCA, Crafts Study Centre 2015                ISCAEE, Jingdezheng, China Guinomi (sake cups), Gallery St Ives, Tokyo, Japan Emmanuel Cooper Gallery, inaugural exhibition, Contemporary Ceramics, London 2014                Second International Tea Culture Exchange Exhibition, China 2013                Chawan, Gallery St Ives, Tokyo, Japan Objectify, Contemporary Ceramics, London Young Clay, Keramiekcentrum Tiendschuur, Tegelen, Netherlands Ceramic Art London, RCA 2012                Domestic Matters, CAA, London. Curated by Brian Kennedy and Peter Ting 2011                Insight Into Beauty 2, Embassy of Japan, Piccadilly, London Oxford Ceramics ISCAEE: Tokyo, Japan Ceramic Art London, RCA 2010                In Focus, Contemporary Applied Arts, London Small but Perfectly Formed, Contemporary Ceramics, London 2009                White, The Leach Pottery, St Ives, Cornwall IMECE, Anadolu University, Turkey Beyond Tradition, Bevere Gallery, Stroud 2008                Pothrminster Gallery, Cornwall Ceramics In The Round, Buxton, Derbyshire Jugs and Bowls, Bettles Gallery Ceramic Art London, RCA Leach Pottery Restoration, Bonhams Craft2EU Gallery, Hamburg, Germany 2007                ISCAEE, James Hockey Gallery, UCCA, Farnham Ceramic Art London, RCA 2006                ISCAEE, Tsinghua University, Beijing Ceramic Art London, RCA Traditional Yet Contemporary: Modern Korean Ceramics (guest exhibitor) Air Gallery 2005                Table Manners, Crafts Council touring exhibition Functional Form Now, Galerie Besson Keramuse, Netherlands Ceramic Art London, RCA Chawan International, Belgium Surfacing Now, The Tunnel Gallery, Tonbridge School 2004                Ceramic Art London, RCA Feast Your Eyes, crafts Council, V&A Egg One Year On, Crafts Council at New Designers 2002                British Ceramics, France, touring exhibition 2001                Ceramic Contemporaries 4, touring exhibition 2000                NYAD2000, New York 1996                Keramuse, Netherlands 1994                Craft potters Association, V&A BOOKS, ARTICLES & REVIEWS 2019    Modern British Ceramics in the Ecclesiastic Setting, ISCAEE Conference, Dankook, University, Seoul, South Korea. 2018    Tea: A Personal Perspective, Published by Tsinghua University, 6th International Tea Exchange Exhibition 2018, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China Meditations: catalogue, articles by Adrian Bland, Dr Julie Gittoes, James Rawlin 2017    The Tea Bowl East and West by Bonnie Kemske, Bloomsbury ISCAEE 2017 Conference catalogue 2014    Ceramic Glazes, the Complete Handbook by Brian Taylor and Kate Doody, Thames and Hudson 2013                Exhibition catalogue, ISCAEE Conference: Antalya, Turkey Papers publication, ISCAEE Conference: Antalya, Turkey 2011                Crossing the Line, Ashley Howard, Ceramic Review, November/December Exhibition catalogue, ISCAEE conference: Tokyo, Japan Papers publication, ISCAEE conference: Tokyo, Japan 2009    Ritual and Setting, catalogue by Prof. Simon Olding, Prof. Dame Magdalene Odundo OBE and Amanda Fielding. Art Workers Guild 125 Years by Lara Platman Ritual and Setting, review by Gareth Mason. Ceramic Review. 237 May/June Exhibition catalogue IMECE, Anadolu University, Turkey 2008                In Tune With Colour, Ceramics Monthly, Helen Bevis, December issue The Leach Restoration Project, Bonhams 2007                The Beauty of Imperfection, Bonnie Kempske, Ceramic Review, 225 May/June Ceramic Design Course by Anthony Quinn Exhibition catalogue ISCAEE, James Hockey Gallery, UCCA, Farnham 2006                Full Circle: David Briers, Crafts magazine 198 Vitality and Essence: Ian Gregory catalogue, Ashley Howard Exhibition catalogue ISCAEE Conference, Tsinghua University, Beijing. 2005                Functional Form Now, preview, Daily Telegraph, February 7th 2004                Full Circle, catalogue, by Alison Britton and Emmanuel Cooper Dead Ends and Possibilities, Alison Britton, Ceramic Review 210, November/December Altered States, Ashley Howard, Ceramic Review, 205 January/February 2003                Make Tracks To…, Daily Telegraph, May 31st Homes and Property, Corrine Julius, London Evening Standard, May 28th The Glaze Book, Stephen Murfitt Ceramic Decoration, Jo Connell Stoneware, Richard Dewar 2001                Searching & Finding: Kyra Cane, Ashley Howard, Ceramic Review, 187 January/February 2000                Matt Glazes, Ashley Howard, Ceramic Review, 186 November/ December The Complete Practical Potter, Josie Warshaw 1997                Strong Form Vibrant Colour, David Whiting, Ceramic Review, 166 July/August OTHER 2013                Guest Artist, Escape to the Country, BBC Television 2006                Neck tie design, RFU, Twickenham 2005                Demonstrator, Family Contract, BBC1 Television Earth & Fire, catalogue, Ashley Howard 2004                Selector, Earth & Fire, Rufford 2001                Judge, Alix de Rothschild exhibition, Israel |
