Finn Bush
Gillingham,DOR
Summary
Ceramics, art, printmaking, sculpture teacher/practitioner with more than 20 years experience. Including primary age, senior schools, GCSE, A-level and art schools. Currently working as a freelance Ceramics maker, Decorative Artist and online marketing team member whilst developing studio skills, supporting high level, internationally reputed cabinet makers and interior designers. Dedicated to creating a teaching environment that will inspire, uplift and develop the visual skills of every student from advanced to inexperienced and with experience of neuro-diverse and dyslexic learners. Dedicated to students context, prior, knowledge and personal identity within learning situations. Well equipped with kilns, woodworking and printmaking equipment.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work history
Freelance Decorative Artist and Ceramist
Stockwell Ceramics
St Dominick, Cornwall
02.2025 - 09.2025
- Freelance between craft ceramics and decorative arts jobs.
- Collaborated with clients to develop customised designs that aligned with their vision.
- Specialised finishes and decorative art conservation work.
- Ceramics business in Cornwall making over 500 varied miniature decorative items.
- Implemented time saving production methods and techniques.
- Researched market trends to identify emerging styles and incorporate them into artistic offerings.
Performed Gallery Conversations With Artists
Tabernacle, Notting Hill - Ground Gallery
Salisbury, Wiltshire
04.2024 - 04.2025
- Matthew Hayward, Aqua and Born exhibitions audience of 40+
- Antony Irvine Lecture Series / Aim selections
- Themes: Migration, journalistic dream scapes / global conflict and eye of the lens. Paint accumulation, memory and sediment
Historic Building and Art Conservation Freelance
Arte Conservation
Faversham/ Dover, Kent
02.2023 - 12.2024
- Rediscovery of lost Victorian gothic revival imagery approx 570 m2
- Recreation and total restoration extensive interior painting.
- Completed colour recreation and restoration.
- Developing guides, jigs and stencils to supplement freehand imagery.
Chinese Wallpaper Conservation/Recreation
Freelance Conservation/Decorative Arts Commission
10.2022 - 11.2022
- Leading technical research Identifing similar historic 18C examples in uk.
- Consolidation and repair including many retouches
- Colour recreation according to complex patina and historic interventions
- Development of replacement panels missing from original with deep antiquing.
Decorative Artist
Mathew Bray and Matthew Collins Ltd
Holbrook, Wincanton, Somerset
04.2018 - 11.2022
- Decorative Artist, high quality cabinetry, wood carving, metals, traditional sculpture
- Art and antique restoration
- Materials and finishes
- Established sculptural mould making and casting
- Colour matching
- Researched and developed decorative paint techniques and finishes
- Sculpted details and classical decorative forms
- Researched and developed innovative metal surface treatments
- Traditional gilding techniques
- Problem solved creativly challenging projects
Ceramics Tutor
Messums Creative
, Wiltshire
09.2021 - 01.2022
- Sculpture focused ceramics courses, adults and families
- Family sculpture classes enabling adults and children to create together
- Whole day courses and half day introductory courses
- Developed armatures enabling 3D sculpture in the round
- Animals, human heads and abstracted sculptural vessel making
- Facilitated engaging workshops that encouraged creativity and artistic expression among participants.
- Enhanced classroom environment by organising materials and maintaining an organised workspace.
- Promoted safe working practices and ensured proper use of tools and equipment.
Teacher of Pottery, Part Time
Clayesmore Prep School
Iwerne Minster - Blandford Forum, Dorset
09.2016 - 08.2021
- Teaching decorative, thrown pottery and sculptural ceramics- 40 children
- Supporting Arts Week with exciting dedicated projects
- Leading clubs in sculpted card and fabric, highly decorated stage masks for plays
- Supporting Art dept with end of year exhibitions and displays
- Redeveloping pottery to provide improved teaching space
- Guided students through various pottery techniques, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the craft.
- Organised workshops that promoted hands-on learning and encouraged artistic expression.
Art Workshop Events London/Dorset
Modern Ground Loughborough Road Brixton/Gilo industries/Green Barn, Lawn Farm Barns Dorset
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Brixton Arts projects themes such as Urban Fox creating narrative mystery.
- Building portfolios with different age groups with focus on personality
- Established themes of flight from both animal and technological viewpoints
- Devising and marketing projects through contacts and schools
- Interrupted by pandemic
- Developed engaging art workshop programmes tailored to diverse audiences.
- Organised materials and resources required for successful workshop delivery.
Part Time Teacher Fine Art and Design
Leweston School
Sherborne, Dorset
09.2007 - 08.2018
- Teacher of Art and Ceramics Y4 -Y13
- Developed students sketchpad recording and idea development skills
- Established GCSE ceramics course projects
- Theatre set design club creation of large stage sets for plays
- Worked across prep school and senior school
- Held creative cross curricular weekend workshops
- Sixth form enrichment classes hand thrown pottery workshops
- Cultivated a positive classroom environment that promoted collaboration and respect among students.
- Provided constructive feedback on student projects to enhance their artistic skills and confidence.
- Organised exhibitions to showcase student artwork and celebrate their achievements.
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate interdisciplinary approaches into art curriculum.
- Mentored students in developing their portfolios for further education opportunities.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods to inspire a passion for fine art and design.
- Integrated technology into lessons to make subjects more appealing to today's tech-savvy students.
- Created inclusive classroom setting to ensure all students felt accepted and valued.
- Worked closely with colleagues for implementing cross-curricular projects that engaged students in comprehensive learning experiences.
- Assessed student progress, provided constructive feedback for improvement.
- Took part in parent-teacher meetings discussing pupil progress and potential areas for improvement.
- Prepared stimulating classroom displays, encouraged student creativity and interest in subject matter.
- Led after-school clubs, facilitated students' participation in extracurricular activities.
- Collaborated with special education professionals to cater for needs of differently-abled pupils in regular classrooms.
UCA Farnham Sitwork Carnival/Echos of Us
UCA Farnham Curatorial Fineart Year Two Module / Paul Vivian
10.2017 - 01.2017
- Trimester two introductory public facing projects. Introductory workshop
- Participatory art contributing personal/inherited stories with local connections
- Collected installations including radio and electronic media
- Carnival atmosphere to underpin exhibition with participatory approach
- Displayed energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
Sculpture and Metal Patination
Southern Engineering/Somerset New Arts Group
Wincanton, Somerset
04.2010 - 11.2013
- Sculpting original works to be bronze cast
- Established metal finishing and patination techniques.
- Running diverse art courses for children and printmaking courses for adults
Renovation and Restoration of Cottage
08.2006 - 08.2007
- Repair and restore sensitively, using traditional methods
Sixth Form Study Trip to Paris
Clayesmore School
Iwerne Minster - Blandford Forum, Dorset
11.2006 - 11.2006
- Leading group at the Louvre on drawing projects
- Sketchpad study skills
- Museum research sketching tutor and organizer
Teacher of Printmaking, Fine Art and Life Drawing
Clayesmore School
Iwerne Minster - Blandford Forum, Dorset
05.2005 - 08.2006
- GCSE and A-Level tutoring
- Inspired lively expressive approach to teaching of life drawing
- Teaching printmaking especially hands on approach to mono printing
- One year maternity cover
Travelling in S.E. Asia
04.2005 - 05.2005
- Observational drawing of Khmer temples Cambodia and Bagan temples
Renovation and Restoration of Cottage
08.2004 - 04.2005
- Repair and restore sensitively, using traditional methods
Teacher of Ceramics, 3D and Life Drawing
Clayesmore School
Iwerne Minster - Blandford Forum, Dorset
04.2003 - 08.2004
- GCSE and A-Level tutoring
- Wide ranging ceramics projects, from decorative to architectural
- Use of photographic emulsion, metal, wood and other materials in ceramics projects
- Use of kiln formed glass in ceramics
- Hand thrown and hand built traditional pottery forms
- Established trend bucking experimental life drawing lessons to promote unpredictable unorthodox results.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods to enhance understanding of ceramics and life drawing techniques.
- Facilitated hands-on workshops that encouraged collaboration and peer feedback among students.
- Curated art exhibitions showcasing student work, promoting community engagement and appreciation for the arts.
- Assessed student progress, provided constructive feedback for improvement.
- Coordinated school trips, broadened the pupils' cultural exposure and understanding.
- Prepared stimulating classroom displays, encouraged student creativity and interest in subject matter.
- Led after-school clubs, facilitated students' participation in extracurricular activities.
- Integrated technology into lessons to make subjects more appealing to today's tech-savvy students.
Visited S.E. Asia
01.2003 - 04.2003
- Viewing temples of Angkor and surrounding area
Fine Artist and Carpenter
Stockwell Farm
St Dominick - Saltash, Cornwall
08.2002 - 01.2003
- Set up workshops, industry and studios around Plymouth
Teacher of Pottery, Sculpture and Fine Art
Mount House Prep School
Tavistock, Devon
06.2000 - 08.2002
- Set up large scale end of year exhibitions
- Scholarship portfolio activities and clubs
- Increased ceramics projects within the Art curriculum
- Delivered hands-on instruction in pottery, sculpture, and fine art techniques to diverse learner groups.
- Organised exhibitions to showcase student artwork, promoting community engagement and appreciation for the arts.
- Integrated various artistic mediums and tools into the curriculum to enhance student learning experiences.
- Communicated regularly with parents about their children's performance and behaviour at school.
- Prepared stimulating classroom displays, encouraged student creativity and interest in subject matter.
Visiting Lecturer, Fine Art Foundation, GNVQ Intermediate
Epping Forest College
London
10.1999 - 05.2000
- Tutored portfolio development for BA fine art applications
- Taught foundation, GNVQ art history and studio practice.
- Evaluated student progress through constructive feedback and tailored assessments.
- Developed innovative teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Received positive feedback for effective communication skills.
- Fostered environment conducive to open discussion; encouraged active participation from all students.
Pottery Teacher and Art Room Assistant Part Time
Clayesmore Prep School
Iwerne Minster - Blandford Forum, Dorset
11.1998 - 07.1999
- Whole school ceramics project based on clay insect making “Infested”
- Hand thrown pottery projects
- Support to scholarship students with sculpture clubs
Craft Pottery Business
Finn Ceramics
St Dominick, Cornwall
02.1996 - 10.1998
- Made and sold studio pottery around the UK
Visiting Printmaking Tutor
Plymouth College of Art and Design
04.1995 - 06.1996
- Tutor on Art foundation course.
- Etching, screen printing and wood cut printing
- Provided detailed feedback with constructive suggestions to improve performance.
- Designed engaging coursework materials to stimulate intellectual curiosity.
- Encouraged open communication during sessions, enhancing comfort levels and participation rates.
Freelance Artist
08.1993 - 02.1996
- Exhibited and sold paintings
- Studied ceramics techniques
- Created diverse artwork for various clients, showcasing unique artistic styles.
- Provided private art tutoring, fostering artistic growth in students.
Education
BA - Fine Art Painting
Central St Martin’s School of Art
LondonNational Diploma - General Art and Design
Plymouth School of Art and Design
Plymouth, DevonGCSE -
Kinloss School
Worcester, WorcestershireSkills
- Experienced Art and sculpture, printmaking and Ceramics teacher
- Experience with marketing and online content creation
- Experienced and dedicated practitioner
- Creative and resourceful
- Patient, kind, empathetic and inspiring
- Problem solving approach to teaching and art practice
- Positive and encouraging team member
Timeline
Freelance Decorative Artist and Ceramist
Stockwell Ceramics
02.2025 - 09.2025
Performed Gallery Conversations With Artists
Tabernacle, Notting Hill - Ground Gallery
04.2024 - 04.2025
Historic Building and Art Conservation Freelance
Arte Conservation
02.2023 - 12.2024
Chinese Wallpaper Conservation/Recreation
Freelance Conservation/Decorative Arts Commission
10.2022 - 11.2022
Ceramics Tutor
Messums Creative
09.2021 - 01.2022
Decorative Artist
Mathew Bray and Matthew Collins Ltd
04.2018 - 11.2022
Art Workshop Events London/Dorset
Modern Ground Loughborough Road Brixton/Gilo industries/Green Barn, Lawn Farm Barns Dorset
01.2018 - 01.2019
UCA Farnham Sitwork Carnival/Echos of Us
UCA Farnham Curatorial Fineart Year Two Module / Paul Vivian
10.2017 - 01.2017
Teacher of Pottery, Part Time
Clayesmore Prep School
09.2016 - 08.2021
Sculpture and Metal Patination
Southern Engineering/Somerset New Arts Group
04.2010 - 11.2013
Part Time Teacher Fine Art and Design
Leweston School
09.2007 - 08.2018
Sixth Form Study Trip to Paris
Clayesmore School
11.2006 - 11.2006
Renovation and Restoration of Cottage
08.2006 - 08.2007
Teacher of Printmaking, Fine Art and Life Drawing
Clayesmore School
05.2005 - 08.2006
Travelling in S.E. Asia
04.2005 - 05.2005
Renovation and Restoration of Cottage
08.2004 - 04.2005
Teacher of Ceramics, 3D and Life Drawing
Clayesmore School
04.2003 - 08.2004
Visited S.E. Asia
01.2003 - 04.2003
Fine Artist and Carpenter
Stockwell Farm
08.2002 - 01.2003
Teacher of Pottery, Sculpture and Fine Art
Mount House Prep School
06.2000 - 08.2002
Visiting Lecturer, Fine Art Foundation, GNVQ Intermediate
Epping Forest College
10.1999 - 05.2000
Pottery Teacher and Art Room Assistant Part Time
Clayesmore Prep School
11.1998 - 07.1999
Craft Pottery Business
Finn Ceramics
02.1996 - 10.1998
Visiting Printmaking Tutor
Plymouth College of Art and Design
04.1995 - 06.1996
Freelance Artist
08.1993 - 02.1996
National Diploma - General Art and Design
Plymouth School of Art and Design
BA - Fine Art Painting
Central St Martin’s School of Art
GCSE -
Kinloss School