Hello and welcome to Scorched Earth.  My name is Terri Harper and I am a glass and ceramics artist.  I live in a remote and beautiful part of the North Tyne Valley, near Bellingham, Northumberland.  Currently, I am a second year art student, studying a BA Hons degree in Glass & Ceramics at the University of Sunderland.

Glass

Glass is an amazing, versatile material that occurs naturally in organic form (for instance, as the rock obsidian).  Natural forms of glass were created as a result of the Earth's magma cooling, or through volcanic eruption, or by meteorite impact.  As a manufactured product, glass is largely composed of silica (sand), soda and lime.  Man has been creating glass for over 4,000 years, with a myriad uses from the purely decorative to the highly functional.

Ceramics

Our planet is rich in clay, an earthy mineral substance that originates from the gradual weathering of deep igneous or metamorphic rocks.  It mainly comprises three types, earthenware, stoneware and porcelain.  We have used clay for thousands of years to create wonderful vessels, ornaments and art. Today, ceramics are also used in wide practical applications, including industry, building, plumbing, medicine and space technology.

Follow my progress

I'd love it if you could follow me on my journey towards the end of my degree, as I learn more about glass and ceramics and develop my technical and creative skills. I'll be posting my progress on this site, along with images of my artwork. Please read my blog: I would welcome your comments and feedback.