A Japanese-born artist living in Bradford is to show her delicate ceramics at a prestigious exhibition in London.

Mother-of-two Kyoko Takahashi, pictured, was delighted to be invited to display her ceramic shapes at the New Designers 2003 One Year On exhibition in Islington.

The four-day event, which starts on July 3, has been a platform to success for thousands of graduates, linking them with businesses and the public.

Kyoko, 44, graduated from Bradford College in Fine Arts last year and specialised in abstract ceramics, which she creates in the basement of her Victorian house in Chrisharben Park, Clayton, where she has a kiln and workshop.

She said: "I exhibited some pieces at a Craft Council exhibition where my work was praised and from there, I was asked to take part in the New Designers event," she said.

"Ceramics have become a popular form of art and I do private commissions. But I am hoping to move my career on with this exhibition, so it is very exciting.

"A Yorkshire Sculpture Park representative will be there and they have already shown an interest."

New Designers is sponsored by top brands such as Dyson, Hallmark, Goldsmiths and Bombay Sapphire.

Kyoko's hollow pieces are delicate, like shells or stones, patterned and painted in "calming" colours. She sands them down to make them smooth to touch. Each piece takes about two months in total to make, including four weeks drying and two sessions in the kiln.

She said: "I have always been interested in art, so I went along to the Bradford College open day and began a two-year foundation course, followed by the three-year degree.

"I like natural shapes and these round shapes are very peaceful and restful. They are influenced by eggs, pebbles and natural forces like wind and water."

Born in Okazati City in central Japan, Kyoko met her future husband John Singleton, a solicitor, while he was on holiday and neither could speak the other's language. They married and lived in London before moving to Bradford in 1990 and they now have two boys, Jack, 11, and Nicholas, ten.

Kyoko hopes to get enough business to carry on as a part-time artist, while looking after her family and home.