About

​The Haze (née Driftwood) has been established since the mid nineties. Intitally specialising in ceramics, maker Hazel Thomson has ventured in to the world of fused glass, and now continues to develop exceptional sculptural as well as functional work in both mediums. 

Check out the gallery to view work inspired by faith, hope, and Journey.

Also find out about The Haze Retreats.

All of Hazel's work is available to purchase, or you can contact The Haze to discuss bespoke commissions.

Ceramics

Fused Glass

My love affair with clay started when I enrolled in an adult pottery class. I wanted to know everything and soon outgrew the class. What followed was Bournville College of art - first City & Guilds in Ceramics and next,  an art foundation which lead to my dream course at Wolverhampton University studying BA (Hons) in Three Dimensional Design Ceramics with Glass. It was such an amazing opportunity.

I like the rawness of clay, the malleability – then once fired, it is a material which can last 1000’s of years. A small fragment can reveal much about the potter. Each mark is remembered by the clay and once fired, is there forever.

My work is mainly sculptural rather than functional. I use earthen ware clays, stoneware clay, paper clay – with some glazing, the work reflecting the paradox of fragility with strength.

In recent years Hazel has also ventured into the world of fused glass. Drawn to this material because its properties contrast and in some cases oppose the qualities of clay.


Hazel enjoys the added colour, the transparency – in particular the way the light gets through, reflects and refracts thus adding a new dimension to the way the sculpture is read. It is a material, which unlike clay, is vicious and uncompromising. The mainstay of her training in this field has been through Warm Glass who are affiliated with the American organization Bullseye Glass.


Hazel has begun to develop exceptional sculptural as well as functional work in this field. To see more of her work go to gallery or check out the online shop.

Accolades & recognition

Awards

Certificate of Ceramic Art - Creation & Therapy 2012/13

Certificate of Sculpture - Designing Clay 2012/13

Craftline Award of Excellence 1996

BA (Hons) June 1996 Wolverhampton

Art & Foundation June 1993

​City & Guilds - July 1992

publications

Ceramics Technical No 13

Working with Paper clay and other Additives by Ann Lightwood
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Raku Investigations into Fire by David Jones

exhibitions

sMPA Exhibition, Lichfield 2017

The Search is the Treasure, Lanellen Arts, 2017,

RBSA Prize Exhibition 2016, 2003, 1998, 1997,

Christian Artists Seminar - KSI Bad Honnef, Germany 2013, 2012, 2011, 

Paper Clay Plus 2000 Crawford Arts Centre St Andrews (toured various locations in Scotland)

​300 Tonnes of Clay at Wolverhampton Museum & Art Gallery 1997

Hatfield - The National Pottery & Ceramics Festival 1996