As our ‘live discussion’ artist for the Porlock Arts Festival we wanted to find out a little more about what inspires and challenges the potter, Ed Taylor’s work:
HG: When and how did you become an artist?
ET: I didn’t, I became a designer. I want people to use the things I make. I hope people like the way they look but they’re pots not pictures. I like some Art but it’s not what I do.
HG: What made you choose to work in your particular discipline?
ET: One of my Grandfather’s was a labourer in the local brick works. The other smelted steel in his Sheffield Foundry. What else would I do? When I was about 6, my family went to look for newts in a nearby stream. There was clay in the bank. I made a pot. I took it home and stuck it in the oven. It blew up. I learnt.
HG: Where do you find and what do you look to for inspiration?
ET: Everything. If there is one thing that influences me the most it’s the Bialeti Moka coffee maker. Balance of function, form and great coffee 
HG: What unique style do you bring to your work?
ET: That’s for others to say
HG: How has your style changed over the years? What influences have you had?
ET: Great Potters: Cardew, Leach, Casson et al. and Celadon from the East.
HG: What do you find challenges you the most in your line of work and the materials you work with?
ET: You never run out of challenges in Pottery.
HG: Where are you looking to take your work next?
ET: One of these days I’m going to have a go at Porcelain. The really high temperature stuff!