Digging in the Mud

Clay has been part of human life for thousands of years, but in recent history, heritage crafts like ceramics have been fading out.

This session brings local ceramic artist Edmund Davies to Flag Fen, a unique heritage site, to explore where heritage, archaeology and ceramics meet – looking at clay as art versus utility, and how our relationship to it has evolved over time.

Flag Fen Archaeology Park is a fascinating setting for this: a Bronze Age landscape complete with timber causeway and roundhouse.

The session includes a tour of the site and a talk from Davies on his practice and looking at ceramics through a heritage lens. A hands-on workshop will follow, using clay to explore ancient methods and techniques, and the role of clay in both household and religious life.

This is a chance for socially engaged artists across the region to be inspired, informed, and connected with like-minded peers, through new places, techniques and insights. Your practice doesn’t need to be ceramics; all socially engaged artists are welcome.

Artist Bio

Edmund Davies is a studio potter whose practice revolves around the production of functional ceramics, both on and off the wheel. His work takes influence from historical ceramics, contemporary design, and the material properties of clay. He is the cofounder of Helgate Pottery in Norwich, a community ceramics studio, with an open yet rigorous approach to making and thinking about pots.

Ticket and Travel Bursaries

If the cost of the ticket and/or getting to the event is a barrier for you to attend, we have a small pot of money to cover ticket and travel expenses.

If you would be interested in making use of the fund please contact the Festival Connect & Create team: fcc@nnfestival.org.uk

We cannot guarantee to cover all requests and will only cover the cost of the cheapest transport option available.

Artist Network

Our Artist Network is for artists and practitioners committed to creative education and socially engaged practice across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

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