Bill Rolls Ceramics

I am a slipware potter and I mostly work with mocha ware, coloured slips, and a tool called a slip trailer to make unique, free-form flowers.

Mocha ware is a type of slipware. It uses a special mixture called mocha. A long time ago, people made it by boiling chewing tobacco and then putting it on wet slip. When it touches the surface, it spreads out into patterns that look like trees or lightning bolts running down the pot. I think it’s really cool how it moves on its own and creates natural, flowing designs.

I also use slip trailing to decorate my pots. Slip trailing is when you squeeze liquid clay through a small nozzle to draw lines and shapes. I like using it to make detailed flowers and interesting patterns that feel free and expressive.

As an artist, I love trying new ideas and experimenting with different shapes and techniques. I enjoy the hands-on process of working with slip and seeing how all the different parts come together to create something unique.