My artistic journey began with a fascination with the transformative power of clay. Through rigorous study, earning two diplomas in ceramics, an honours degree in Fine Art Sculpture culminating in a Master of Arts in Fine Art Ceramics, I have developed a deep understanding of this versatile medium.

My sculptures are a testament to my fascination and love for animals and the profound relationship we share with them. Drawn to the natural world, I find solace and inspiration in the outdoors. I am captivated by the purity and intelligence of animals, qualities often overlooked by our human-centric world. My practice explores the interplay between form and the expressive potential of clay, using it to capture the dynamism of the subject.

I strive to create sculptures that evoke an emotional response in the viewer, prompting contemplation and appreciation of our animal counterparts. I am particularly drawn to dogs as so many of us have an understanding of the close relationships we have with them, their unrivalled loyalty and their ability to communicate with us. Viewers can relate to this as they feel an affinity with the sculpture as they recognise the language being conveyed by their own dog.
My sculptures playfully explore the spectrum of animal expression, from the serenity of peace and contentment, to intensity, curiosity and playful humour. I believe that animals possess a unique intelligence and emotional depth that deserves recognition and celebration. Through my work, I invite viewers to connect with the playful, poignant and often unexpected expressions that enrich animals of every species.

Working intuitively, I rarely rely on preliminary drawings, instead I sketch in clay, I embrace the spontaneity of the material, loosely building forms until I achieve a sense of dynamic balance and life. I employ a diverse range of clays, primarily grogged stoneware, this robust clay, characterised by its gritty texture, offers exceptional versatility allowing me to achieve a wide range of surfaces. Texture is fundamental to the organic look and feel to my sculptures, the finish must say enough but retain spontaneity. A simple mark or twist of clay or just the subtlest suggestion in clay can dramatically alter the overall look and I trust my intuition to guide me to the optimal stopping point. This process allows for the unexpected discoveries and encourages a playful exploration of the material

I use underglaze colours, oxides and glazes to achieve a range of surface colours and treatments. I am drawn to using unexpected colour combinations, often deviating from the conventional colour pallets associated with the subjects I depict. This is how I perceive the world, where colour transcends realism and becomes a powerful tool for expressing my vision.

I also make a limited collection of Raku work, in contrast to my heavily textured pieces, this work, minimal in form has to be smooth and consistent in order to enhance the distinctive glazes. I’ve always loved this process, it’s raw and unpredictable and so hands -on, it’s simply joyful.

My work can be found at the Garden House Gallery, Cromer
and Pinkfoot gallery, Cley. I maintain a strong presence through my facebook page:
CLAY WORKS by Sam Fitzgerald-Scales where I showcase current work and take commissions. Working primarily from my home studio, I thrive in the peace and solitude that allows for focused and creative exploration.