Janene Waudby

Janene Waudby

My work is inspired by the beauty and spontenaity of nature, particularly of the sea and of the Scottish Highlands. I work in my studio in Shieldaig on Loch Torridon, immersed in the wild and ancient landscape and changing seasons. My vessels are all smoke fired with sawdust and plants common to the Highlands, including moss, seaweed and bracken. The surfaces aim to capture the colour, depth, and beautiful imperfection of nature. The studio now looks out over Loch Torridon and, in the distance, the Outer Hebrides. The view through the window constantly inspires, whether its the changing colours of the sea, theshifting light, wild storms or the sea birds.

An avid sailor who travelled all over the world, including around Cape Horn and across the Southern Ocean, Janene moved to Scotland in 2016 and dedicated her time to pursue making ceramics as a full-time artist. Initially, Janene made glazed ceramics, but since her mentor Annette Welch suggested smoke firing, she has rarely used glazes. Janene finds the surface of the smoke fired vessel to be softer and warmer than high-fired ceramics, and more like skin than stone.