A CONCOCTION of chemicals combined with clay creates a unique body of work by a Sunderland student who is breaking the traditional mould in ceramics and glass.

Annie Jones's experimental approach to her craft has seen the Sunderland University artist land prestigious placements in India and Vietnam with Traidcraft, she's preparing to exhibit at the New Designers fair in London (June 28-30), presenting at Aberystwyth International Ceramics Festival (June 28-30), one of only four UK graduates selected to do so, as well as landing an internship as part of the British Ceramics Biennial in Stoke in September.

The 21-year-old, from Cheshire, who is in the final year of her BA (Hons) Glass and Ceramics degree, has produced five separate pieces for the degree show, which form a body of work called 'Contain'

She explained: "My exhibition consists of five glass tanks which contain ceramic materials, where chemicals react together with copper and clay to produce different reactions, it's quite performance based.

"Through this I'm investigating the relationship between degeneration, deterioration and the sustainability of growth through experimentation with the inherent qualities of ceramic materials.

"'Contain' explores a diverse range of materials, showcasing the development of the natural growth within a confined environment which creates a fluctuating palate of texture and colour."

She added: "I'd describe my work as innovative and experimental, it's been described as science art. I don't use materials in the traditional way, such as throwing clay; it's adding a new vision from the ceramics world and using chemicals in a more unorthodox way." Annie will graduate in July and will begin a two year Masters of Philosophy (MPhil) at Sunderland.