YO THOM
Between 2000-2002, I was fortunate enough to work for Lisa as a full-time apprentice.
I have learned so many other things together with pottery skills, such as promotion skills, financial skills, networking, and planning and juggling, which are all as fundamental as production skills.
Also, Lisa's approach to the apprenticeship is very constructive and supportive.
She gives you many opportunities to challenge yourself and to prove yourself, and build up your confidence gradually but surely.
I believe that Lisa is one of the best and the most dedicated studio potter in UK now, and I feel so lucky that I knocked on her pottery door 10 years ago!
You cannot get these firsthand experiences at college and that is the greatest advantage of being an apprentice.
I feel strongly that an apprenticeship gives you a whole angle of experience and makes your path much clearer for your future career.
SINCE MY APPRENTICESHIP
I have now set up my own studio in Dalston Hackney. Due to my new environment (3rd floor in the middle of Dalston Junction!), I had to abandon my familiar techniques with a gas kiln, which I learnt at Maze Hill Pottery, and changed to using an electric kiln.
It took me a while to leave my passion for reduction firing behind and settled down to my new style, however, the new functional range has been well received at many shows and exhibitions I have taken part in.
Also I have started sharing a wood firing kiln with the potter John Butler an anagama firer.
In the wood-firing, I still use my old Shino glaze, which has even more rustic and traditional look to it. I am very lucky to have such a generous friend who lets me share the firing. I produce mainly one-off pieces and teabowls in the wood-firing, which include fairly large scale pieces too!
You can see my updated work and exhibition schedules on my website.

WEB SITE: www.yothom.com