Sand and Mud is owned by Mercedes Clark-Smith and based near Colchester in Essex, UK.
The inspiration for my nature-based work is all around in the timeless yet ever-changing coastal landscape of East Anglia, where I live and have my glass and ceramics’ workshops.
Young hares standing tall in frost stiffened fields, barn owls poised for flight, high tide on the oyster beds, summer sunsets stretching rainbow rays over still meadows … magical moments and stunning colours from the land and sea become precious, vivid gifts and treasures.
You can choose from stained glass panels, suncatchers, fused or stained glass, and ceramics – for windows, walls, mantels and the garden. My seasonal specials will light up your Christmas tree, welcome in spring and Easter, and cast echoing shadows of a long hot summer when autumn chill is in the air.
I have a growing range of lovely pieces to pick from, or you can commission me to magic your own design visions into reality. At the moment, I’m loving all the orders for customers’ pets in both glass and ceramic, and am thoroughly enjoying capturing the cheek of a Jack Russell, the fluid beauty of an English Setter pair, a sun-soaked sleeping cat and even a dancing chicken.
Working and learning with leading artists from Creative Glass Guild, Warm Glass, Creative Glass Shop and Glassification has given me the delicate skills and creative techniques to master the living mediums of glass and ceramics – everything else is down to the landscape and you!
Materials
- Fusing Glass
I mainly work with Spectrum 96 which is a high quality glass made in by Oceanside Glass and Tile Company, Youghiogheny Glass, Uroboros or Wissmach. Occassionally I also use Bullseye glass which is imported from the USA. These glass brands are all made using oxides and metals to colour so unlike cheap Chinese imports, they will not fade. - Stained Glass
My stained glass is made by Uroboros, Wissmach, Kokomo and Tatra who make stunning mouthblown glass. My solder and lead came is British and from Arnold Heap. - Paint and Enamels
I work with Reusche traditional best black lead paint, Liquid enamels and EZ fire enamels. - Ceramics
My clay is British from Potclays and my glazes are Spectrum, Botz, Mayco, Vitraglaze and Amaco.