For many years I have been fascinated by the works created by the long dead potters and metalsmiths of ancient times. There is an enigmatic quality inherent in the work which whispers to us of the mysteries of communities from the most remote times - mysteries that can only be guessed at in late 20th century society. Ancient bronzes in particular have long been a great inspiration to me. This piece recalls for me the dry green oxidisation that builds up over the centuries on the surface of bronze. The shape is inspired by the ceramic works of the Egyptian and Mycenaean cultures. I have tried to embody in my design a feeling of great age and recall to mind something that has been pulled from the earth where it has lain for thousands of years, full of mystery as to what purpose it was once used for. Possibly a funery urn or visceral jar. Perhaps a ceremonial vessel or maybe just a humble grain jar, echoing down the years the times when the earth was new to humankind. An earth where the devastation of global war and mass ecological destruction was the nightmare of an unknowable future. Perhaps that is why I am fascinated so much by the works of the ancients. It recalls the times when humankind was naive and uncivilised by our standards but most importantly was not engaged as we are today in total war against our planet.