Maker of the Month: Jean White

Jean started her career as a professional illustrator – she now uses those skills and designs to carve into clay. From these carvings Jean is able to create her own plaster moulds and then is able to slip cast in either porcelain or Parian clay from the moulds.

Jean works tirelessly to raise awareness of the conservation status of red-list British bird species. Her passion for these endangered creatures is evident in her stunningly detailed ceramic work, which she crafts using traditional methods inspired by Wedgwood's iconic Jasperware. Jean's talent as an illustrator is evident in the skill she uses to bring her bird subjects to life through intricate carvings into the clay. From these meticulously carved designs, Jean creates her own plaster molds, a process that allows her to reproduce her artwork with precision and consistency. She then slip casts her sculptures in either porcelain or Parian clay, a technique that results in pieces with a delicate, ethereal quality that perfectly captures the fragility of the birds she aims to protect.

Through her art, Jean aims to educate the public about the plight of Britain's at-risk avian species. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the UK, recognizing the importance of her mission and the artistic skill with which she brings it to life. Jean has generously donated a fossil tealight holder for this months ‘Maker of the Month’.

Take a look at Jeans website for further work here

Jean White Ceramics