The first known clay figurines moulded and fired date back to around 24,000 BC.

Clay tiles dating back to 14,000BC have been discovered in Mesopotamia and India while the first known vessels date back to around 8,000 BC.

Since then the materials and techniques of ceramics have evolved dramatically, but essentially the basic practice of a person moulding and shaping fine-grained earth and then firing it in a kiln has remained unchanged.

Within this long human tradition, each ceramist develops their personal relationship with their materials and refines them.

This is a process which includes a fascinating mix of creativity, scientific experimentation, research, chance and failure.

A number of ceramists I have spoken with describe the heart-stopping moment when they first open the kiln after a firing, never quite knowing if the result will be complete disaster or an exhilarating surprise.

An experience which our feature artist this week, Peter Wilson, knows only too well.

The relationship between form and surface has been an ongoing focus in Wilson’s work.

His stoneware and porcelain pots are uncomplicated and provide elegant supports for his surfaces with their range of beautiful wood ash, shino, oilspot and celadon glazes.

“I value a good sense of design and craftsmanship of the handmade objects in the use of the everyday ceramic items with which we define ourselves and our existence,” Wilson said.

“I appreciate and respect the craft base of working with clay and hence I have chosen the vessel as my main means of expression.”

In our age of mechanical and increasingly robotic production, the appeal of handmade items increases.

We feel a need to connect at a human level.

This is one of the reasons why all art forms, including ceramics, matter a great deal in our society. 

They offer us ways of connecting with one another through materials.

After centuries, it is still meaningful to see, and use, a bowl that has been made by hand.

Peter Wilson’s exhibition Form & Surface opens this Friday at 6pm alongside the opening of Private Treasures: Public Pleasures.

Private Treasures: Public Pleasures is an exhibition where collectors from across the region have generously loaned artworks from their collections for all of us to enjoy.