‘Sustainable Clay’ at the Hatton Gallery in Newcastle explores the environmental impact of this naturally occurring material.

Potters and artists have long valued clay for its connection to a particular place, the very earth beneath our feet, but they are increasingly concerned about the sustainability of this material. This exhibition – which features work by 12 contemporary artists that have a link to the north-east (including Paul Scott – work pictured) – examines how these particular artists have taken an experimental approach to clay as a sculptural material while striving for sustainability within their creative process. Some dig for local clay to work with, or find more sustainable ways to fire their kilns, while others are no longer firing clay or choosing not to glaze their work. Some are even using their ‘ceramic skills’ to work with alternative materials.

Sustainable Clay, 1 February-3 May, Hatton Gallery, Newcastle, hattongallery.org.uk