St. Ives Gaolyard Pottery Studios - - Roelof Uys Studio to let RAKU POTTERY Tate Gallery St Ives

Roelof spent two years studying the fine arts at East London Technical College, East London, South Africa (achieving a distinction in Ceramics). "When I started my career as a full-time potter, I experimented with different techniques until I could finally start my own unique line of domestic ware. For a while I was employed as a porcelain thrower (and during this time I learnt new techniques). .

I was also employed as the resident potter in a popular craft shop in Knysna for a time. This shop was a top tourist destination in South Africa and my position there demanded close and frequent interaction with the customers.

My own line of high-fired decorative ceramics and domestic ware proved extremely popular. Public demonstrations of throwing and other skills were required.

Next I was able to set up my own studio in Cape Town - and this allowed me to continue with my own line, expanding and improving the range. I initially sold the work at markets, but shops and galleries very quickly became clients. As the demand for the range grew, I employed two assistants. During this time I served on the Board of the Western Cape Association of Potters, South Africa.

At this point I left South Africa to gain more experience in England. Initially I was employed by the Four Seasons Pottery, where I worked as a freelance thrower (May to December, 1998), specialising in garden pots - and I also introduced a new line of work similar to that produced in South Africa.

In 1999 I moved to St Ives, Cornwall and took up a place in the Gaolyard studios where I now continue to produce my own dustinct range of high quality, decorative pottery."