Clive Bowen was born in Cardiff in 1943. He studied painting and etching before taking up a pottery apprenticeship. He has been making wood-fired earthenware at Shebbear Pottery since 1971.Bowen studied painting and etching at Cardiff College of Art from 1960–64. He then became the apprentice of Michael Leach, at Yelland Pottery where he came to love the rich Fremington clay and earthenware of Fishley. A further year at Brannam Pottery in Barnstaple allowed him to develop his throwing skills and to gain the ability to make large pots. Residing in North Devon allowed Bowen the opportunity to help fire pots at Wenford Bridge with Michael Cardew and to meet Svend Bayer who became a lifelong friend.In 1971 Bowen purchased a small agricultural property at Shebbear in North Devon and established his pottery with large double-chambered wood firing kilns. Bowen still uses local Fremington clay and is internationally known and respected for his powerful yet intimate pieces. Bowen exhibits widely in the UK throughout Europe, North America and Japan.He has been described "as a gestural decorator, even something of an action painter, applying a fluid spontaneity and broad hand to his trailing, pouring and combing. Seeing his pots in groups – runs of splendid jugs, bowls, platters and press-moulded dishes – reveals Bowen's ability to explore within the parameters of his signature forms." (David Whiting)