I found the process of judging very difficult because of the high quality of the submissions. I narrowed the entries down to twelve and eliminating three further entries to arrive at the nine that were to receive awards was almost impossible. In the end, after agonising for many hours, I had to make a decision but there were pieces that deserved to be amongst the prize winners had space allowed.

The first prize winning piece is a remarkable work; beautifully executed and orchestrated it seems to combine the traditions of the Native American potters such as the Anasazi with images reminiscent of Hieronymus Bosch, John Tenniel or Mervyn Peake. How strange that entry No.56 could be the object featured in the drawing on the winning vase.

The second prize winner could easily have been the first prize winner…it was a very difficult decision. I love the immediacy of this piece, the freedom in the marks and the well thought out division of space and placement of decoration.

Third prize is a sculptural piece of deceptively simple form but with dynamism and poise. I admired the depth of colour and the variation of texture in the shino glaze.

Congratulations to each and every entrant and congratulations too to Charlie Blim for his continued and generous support of potters.

Phil Rogers, January 2013