Valerie James trained in painting and sculpture at UCW Aberystwyth. She creates unique and spiritual sculptures that feature all kinds of wonderful women: sisters, mothers, wise women and forest dwellers. Birds and trees are other subjects close to her heart. She uses themes of mythology, dreams, symbolism and nature to create her stoneware and porcelain pieces, hand-crafted with underglazes, oxides, glass and lustres. Her works often have a pagan aura, particularly her distinctive "Madonna" series. She strives to add a little something of her soul's journey though life in everything she makes, evoking feelings of nurturing and comfort, and Mother Nature's gently guiding hand.