
The Great Pottery Throw Down Series 8 - Olivia & Chris – Double Exit Week Two
Category: Press Pack ArticleIn the second episode of The Great Pottery Throw Down, the remaining potters created a statement mantelpiece clock, and faced a surprise blindfolded second challenge. Judges Rich Miller and Keith Brymer Jones decided who was potter of the week and who will leave the pottery.
At the end of the episode Host Siobhán McSweeney announced that Steve was Potter of the Week, and sadly two Potters – Olivia and Chris had to leave the pottery. [In week one nobody left].
On hearing the news, Chris said: ‘I don’t know what to tell you - a clock without a clock in it serves no purpose at all. I have made good friends here and even though that is a by-product of being here that’s a gift, it is a blessing.’
Olivia added ‘I am happy that I am going out with a design that was dedicated to someone that I love, and a design that I do like. That is definitely a positive!’
Here Chris and Olivia talk about their time in the Pottery:
Chris
There were some new themes in this series – is there any particular week you enjoyed or found tricky during your time on GPTD.
I enjoyed both of the episodes I participated in. I still have nightmares about making perfectly-sized holes, after flying too close to the sun in the mantlepiece clock episode.
Ironically, this was the one thing I wasn't worried about, only to get stung in the end... but that's clay and that's life.
Best and worst moment overall for you during the series?
It's hard to say. I had fun from the moment it started right up to my exit. It was a flash-in-the-pan style blur - but I loved all of it.
Do you think when you watch it back on television will there be parts that you completely missed because you were concentrating on your pottery?
Almost certainly. Playing with clay is absorbing and requires a high level of concentration. There could have been a polar bear fight in the studio and I'd not have noticed.
What was the funniest moment that happened throughout the series, can be on or off set?
It was a complex blend of hilarious and heart-breaking to see Keith try to push a too-big sized clock into my castle piece. I didn't know whether to laugh or scream, so instead opted to stare off into the distance and begin mentally packing my bags.
Would you encourage other amateur Potters out there to have a go on the series and why?
Yes! The GPTD is a training course among friends as much as an entertainment show. You stand to gain new skills, new connections, and open new doors if you'd only jump in and give it a try.
Will you make again anything from the series, when you are at home and have more time?
I'm looking forward to attacking my castle clock with a sanding tool, or making an entirely new amendment piece. I can't rest until I remedy this mistake.
What were you most nervous about the whole experience and did it turn out ok in the end?
I love to mess with clay and simply pretended the cameras weren't there. Everything was enjoyable, nobody got hurt, and nothing exploded. All is well.
Do you feel you have progressed now as a Potter?
Yes. Although I didn't take part in the challenges I felt would highlight my greatest strengths, I still learned a great deal and now know where to focus my practice. I'll continue to handbuild and broaden my horizons. This was a strategic win as much as a disappointing loss.
How emotional were you when you had to leave, and how supportive was everyone?
It was bittersweet. Everyone was kind, good natured, and supportive. I agreed with the judges' decision and would have made the same call. Despite my best efforts during the build I felt the thin ice under my feet ahead of their decision. I opted to make my peace with that, wanted to take it on the chin, learn from the experience, and go down smiling.
What will you take away from your experience of being on The Great Pottery Throw Down.
Friends, memories, skills, and ambitions.
What’s the biggest thing you have learned from being on the series?
Measure three times, cut once.
What would you like to make next and how big or small?
More bowls, more bottles, more moon jars, more mess. The bigger the better.
What’s next for you in the pottery world?
I'll continue to run the community studio while putting more tools in my toolbox. I'm still committed to the joy of ceramics. You can find me either in the clay or in the sky.
Olivia
There were some new themes in this series – is there any particular week you enjoyed or found tricky during your time on GPTD.
I absolutely loved making the mantelpiece clock for my Nana. I just know she’d absolutely adore it and I am so happy I made it for her. That week’s second challenge was a blast too! Throwing blindfolded was definitely tricky, but, weirdly, it’s also kind of therapeutic! It’s the one challenge everyone seems to talk about, and I’m so chuffed I got to give it a go!
Best and worst moment overall for you during the series?
Best moment? Definitely meeting the other potters and the judges—it felt so surreal to actually be there with them. Worst moment? Sadly getting voted out in episode two. I was gutted, but I’m so proud of what I created and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
Do you think when you watch it back on television will there be parts that you completely missed because you were concentrating on your pottery?
Oh, for sure! When you’re in the zone, the world around you disappears. In the second episode, me and Imy were at the front, so it was hard to see what everyone was getting up to! I’m betting there’ll be loads of little moments I didn’t catch at all. I’m excited to watch it back and see the bits I missed. I am also SO excited to see what all the potters made.
What was the funniest moment that happened throughout the series, can be on or off set?
There were so many laughs, but Siobhán fluffing her lines on day one absolutely killed me—it was the perfect icebreaker for all of us! And don’t even get me started on the potters attempting to hula hoop with Stephen’s hoops. He brought in loads for us to have a go, and honestly, he’s ridiculously good at it. Stephen’s one of those people who’s just brilliant at the most bizarre and random things haha.
Would you encourage other amateur Potters out there to have a go on the series and why?
Definitely, 100%. It’s such a brilliant experience! You learn so much, meet incredible people, and push yourself creatively. Even if it’s nerve-wracking, it’s completely worth it.
Will you make again anything from the series, when you are at home and have more time?
I think so, yes! There were a few pieces I started that I’d love to revisit when I have more time to experiment. It’d be great to perfect them in my own space.
What were you most nervous about the whole experience and did it turn out ok in the end?
I was really nervous about being on camera—it’s so far out of my comfort zone! But everyone was so supportive, and once we got started, I almost forgot the cameras were there. It turned out much better than I expected.
Do you feel you have progressed now as a Potter?
Absolutely! The show really pushed me to try new techniques and think differently about my work. Even though my time was short, I feel like I grew a lot as a potter. I also learnt so much from the other potters. That’s one of the best things about the show. Is that you get to meet these amazingly creative people. We are all so different, but all have this one love of clay. It’s cringe to say but it’s really special. I definitely learnt so much from everyone, which has helped me to progress as a potter.
How emotional were you when you had to leave, and how supportive was everyone?
Oh wow, I was an absolute wreck—I’m such an emotional person and feel everything so deeply. It was like being hit with a million emotions all at once. Completely overwhelming! But honestly, everyone was so supportive, and I can’t thank them enough. Massive shoutout and thank you to Imy—she was an absolute rock for me. And the producers were just incredible. They were so kind and really kept me together when I needed it most!
What will you take away from your experience of being on The Great Pottery Throw Down.
So much! The friendships, the confidence to push myself creatively, and the constant inspiration to keep experimenting with clay. It's been an experience I'll always cherish. I could say so much more about it, but we'd be here all day!
What’s the biggest thing you have learned from being on the series?
To trust myself more. I’ve learned that I’m capable of more than I realised. To even make it onto the show I am completely blown away by still! A big thing for me though, is to just breathe. Everything works out in the end, and even when things don’t go perfectly, it’s the journey and creativity that matter most.
What would you like to make next and how big or small?
There’s always a million and one things I’d love to make! At the moment, I’ve been focusing on practising my throwing. But one of my big dreams is to create a ceramic sound booth installation. It was actually my final project at university, but I never got to finish it because of Covid. The idea never really left me, though. So maybe now I’ll finally have the confidence to see it through.
What’s next for you in the pottery world?
I’m really excited to be starting this new chapter in my own studio space in Liverpool, It’s a bit of a dream come true a place where I can not only focus on my own work, but also connect with other potters and creatives. I’ve always dreamed of having a community space like this, and it’s great to finally see it come to life. After being on The Great Pottery Throw Down, my confidence really grew, and it gave me the push I needed to make this dream happen.
Looking ahead, I’m super excited to collaborate with the other potters. I can’t wait to see what ideas we’ll come up with together and how we can support each other’s growth.