Celebrating Ceramics: Q&A with George Buchan
Meet the newest ceramicist to stock DCA Shop
We love championing local makers and designers in DCA Shop. You can spot our Dundee Made signage in store, which highlights work that was made or designed in and around Dundee.
George Buchan is a local designer who creates his work on a potter’s wheel using porcelain and stoneware clays. We recently started stocking his work and his pieces have been a real hit. We caught up with him to talk about all things ceramic and find out a bit more about his process.
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From the minute I picked up a ball of clay I was hooked.
Hi George - your ceramics have been going down a storm in DCA Shop, can you tell us a little about yourself and when you started working with clay?
I started working with clay back in 2018 as a de-stress from work. I was instantly hooked!
Your pieces are thrown on a wheel, can you tell us about this process and what you enjoy most about it?
The best part of the process is definitely the throwing. It makes you slow down and focus.
You work in both porcelain and stoneware, what are the differences between the two?
The main differences it the way the clay body is made up. Porcelain uses the whitest of clays along with ingredients like feldspar and quartz. This is what gives it strength and the ability to be thrown thinly. Stoneware on the other hand is more of a natural occurring clay that can be extracted straight from the ground and used or blended with other clays and fine grit (also referred to as grog) to give it strength,
Where do you find inspiration for your collections?
I very much draw inspiration from Japanese and Korean potters, especially with my porcelain work.
My goal is to produce work that people will cherish and enjoy for a lifetime.
You've exhibited at our CRAFTED markets before - what are the benefits of selling your work face to face?
Yes, I exhibited back in 2022. It was a fantastic event. I love talking to customers about the whole process, hoping to pass on my passion for the craft.
Any advice for anyone who wants to have a go at pottery?
DO IT! There are local workshops in and around Dundee that are a great place to start - this is where I started. Practice is the key.
What are you working on next?
I'm working on larger pieces at the moment for an upcoming wood firing. I've been experimenting with traditional wood firing recently, the results are very different to what can be achieved in my electric kiln.
Thanks George! You can find George's pieces in DCA Shop, which is open seven days a week from 10:00 to 17:30. We've also added a selection of his work to our online shop, so even if you're a bit further afield, you can still get your hands on these Dundee Made treats. And you'll want to get your hands on them - they're so satisfying to hold! But don't just take our word for it, our visitors have been raving about these ceramic pieces too...
Customer feedback
I love this little mug. It’s got a sweetly characterful shape that feels grounded, quiet and humble, and it’s a lovely wee size. It makes my mornings 7% better, and that’s just science.
Not only do these look amazing, they're also the most wonderfully textured and tactile coffee mugs. Takes my enjoyment of my morning caffeine fix to a whole new level.
We love seeing how you enjoy the items you buy from DCA and hearing your thoughts about them. Tag @DCAdundee if you post about your purchases on social media or send us an email to dca@dca.org.uk. Every purchase supports DCA and helps us to continue to enrich people's lives through art, culture and creativity.
