Ursula Wimhurst
Hi I am Ursula and love everything about working with clay – it’s tactile quality, as well as the infinite possibility it holds for working creatively.
I studied Art in Cardiff where I gained a BA (hons) in Art Education Studies. It was here that I found myself gravitating to the ceramics room. My first pot just seemed to grow in a very natural way, and I immediately resonated with the process. At this time, I enjoyed making very organic forms and using the method of coiling, and this remains my favourite way of working with clay to this day.
After leaving college, my clay journey continued when I met Sonja. Together we set up and ran a pottery at Cardiff City Farm where we held many workshops for the local community. Cathy, a ceramic artist, joined us in the studio, and it was a very enriching time as we all learnt new skills together and inspired one another. At Cardiff City Farm, we experimented with outdoor firings including pit firing, and the ancient Japanese method of glazing ceramics called raku. I will never forget the many happy Raku days at the City Farm. Raku is a magical, alchemical experience with beautiful glaze affects and I am so delighted that we can offer Raku courses and workshops at Garden Stream Pottery.
I have also worked as a support worker for people with learning disabilities and very much enjoyed this, as alongside ceramics I have always been drawn to working with people. In 1997 I studied Art Therapy in Bath University and when I qualified, I worked as an Art Therapist with the NHS for 18 years. While working for the NHS I completed courses in Mindfulness for wellbeing and was then able to develop skills in facilitating art-based mindfulness workshops. At this time, I also facilitated a group where a Mindfulness Garden was created out of a variety of materials including ceramics.
I retired from Art Therapy in 2020 as I had the opportunity to fulfil a dream to move to North Wales, having had many beautiful camping trips here. Nature has always been so important to me, and it is magical to find myself on the midst of this very beautiful landscape.
It has also been wonderful to set up Garden Stream Pottery here, where, in the peace and beauty of nature creativity can blossom, and where I can continue to work with people alongside developing my own ceramic work.
Designing the courses with my lifelong friend Sonja has been special, and it is our aim to create an inspiring, friendly, and supportive environment where people can relax, learn new skills and become immersed in working with the wonderful medium of clay.
