Lecturer in Ceramics

  • Academic
  • Research
Ashley Howard

Ashley Howard joined UCA as the subject specialist for ceramics in 2006. Before this he lectured at the Universities of Brighton and Westminster. Graduating from UCA Rochester with an HND in Ceramics, Ashley later gained a Masters degree from the Royal College of Art in 2003.

Ashley Howard

Research statement

Ashley is a leader in ceramic-based research, and his achievements have attracted attention both within UCA and on the national and international stages. Ashley produces porcelain and stoneware vessels informed by a dialogue between Far-Eastern and more homespun pottery traditions. Recent projects have seen Ashley explore this dialogue at deeper levels through the two key initiatives, Shima Kara Shima E (From Island to Island) and Material Symphysis.

He draws on his interest in ritual vessels, the spaces they occupy and the ceremonies that surround them. Notions of music, reverence and transience are also explored. Almost all work is thrown on the wheel, although at times it might be subject to varying degrees of manipulation and altering. A recent departure from earlier work has seen Ashley pull in his experiences in Japan to develop his use of on-glaze enamels.

Research supervision

Ashley was granted research supervision status in 2014.

Current UCA research students:

  • Support supervisor to Clare Beattie, UCA, Canterbury.

Professional Membership, Affiliation and Consultancy

  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
  • Member of The International Academy of Ceramics
  • In 1993 he was one of the youngest makers to be made a Fellow of the Craft Potters Association.

Other memberships:

  • Research Fund: ISCAEE: China: UCA, Farnham
  • Research Fund: Shima Kara Shima E exhibition catalogue, UCA, Leach Gallery
  • Research Fund: Meditations, Shigaraki Residency, Japan/exhibition Guildford cathedral
  • Arts Council: Meditations, Shigaraki Residency, Japan/exhibition Guildford cathedral
  • Research Fund: ISCAEE Turkey: UCA, Farnham
  • Arts Council £55,000 for set up of www.318Ceramics.co.uk
  • Research fund: ISCAEE Japan: UCA, Farnham
  • Arts Council grant: Ritual & Setting
  • Research fund: Ritual & Setting: UCA, Farnham
  • Arts Council grant: Full Circle
  • Research fund: Full Circle: UCA, Rochester
  • Shortlist, Twyfords Bathtime project, Royal College of Art
  • Peers Award, Art in Clay, Hatfield House
  • Peers Award, Milsbeek, Netherlands.