Tessa Wolfe Murray constructs slab-built vessels using up to 5 sections of white earthenware clay.
Surfaces can be decorated using volcanic stones and incised line drawings.
Metal oxide slips are applied to surfaces before firing. After 2 firings in an electric kiln some vessels receive an outdoor smoke firing to create another surface layer.
The contours of her slab-built vessels have been refined as her understanding of proportion and balance has developed. Shape inspiration often starts from drawing museum artefacts. Colours arise from her sea and coastal surroundings.
 
Following a Fine Art degree Tessa studied ceramics at Goldsmiths College gaining a postgraduate diploma in 1984.
 
In 1988 she developed a decorative smoke firing technique designed for vases to hold water. Previous to this no smoke fired pot could be functional.
 
Tessas range has expanded from sculptural vases to include clocks, ceramic jewellery and buttons. Tessa has designed vases and lampbases for the Conran shop and worked with interior and product designers and exhibits widely throughout the UK in Gallerys and Ceramic Fairs