Art of Pottery
Shaping the Future: The Endless Possibilities of Contemporary Ceramics
Dear Readers,
This week, we’re going to to focus on the timeless art of pottery. Whether you’re curious about getting started or just want to learn more about the process, this edition has you covered.
Pottery is the craft of shaping and firing clay to create functional or decorative objects. It’s one of humanity’s oldest art forms, with pieces dating back thousands of years. Today, pottery ranges from simple hand-built bowls to intricate, wheel-thrown vases and modern ceramic sculptures.
Professional Artist Spotlight
Bouke de Vries
Bouke de Vries is a Dutch-born, London-based artist renowned for transforming broken ceramics and porcelain into evocative contemporary artworks. His unique practice is rooted in his background as a ceramics conservator, where he developed a deep appreciation for both the fragility and the history embedded in damaged objects
Substack Artist Spotlight
Meet Sara!
My name is Sara. I’m Portuguese, born in Lisbon. I grew up in Portugal and France, and studied in the UK, where I also got my first job as a translator. I worked mostly as a technical translator but also translated a few fiction books. In 2008, I moved to the US to work in-house for a tech company. In 2013, I moved to Poland, where I now live with my family and work as a full-time potter.
My journey with clay started about 14 years ago, completely by accident, you could say. A friend had started a clay class and challenged me to join her. I hesitated but agreed in the end, and from the first moment I touched clay, I was hooked. After that first class, I took another one and then, every spare moment I had, I would go to the community studio, sit at the wheel and practice. I made mugs, bowls and other functional pieces and gifted them to friends and family.
About five years ago, I started selling a few pieces locally, at markets and at a local café. Then, three years ago, I finally decided to try to be a potter full-time. In the meantime, I switched from the wheel to mostly handbuilding. I continue to mainly make functional pottery, but make also decorative pieces, such as larges vases (like the one below) and wall-art. I am also venturing into sculpture but I am still at the learning stage.
I started writing on Substack to share my passion for clay and to have a place to showcase my pottery. Clay on my mind (sarasantaclara.substack.com) is a fortnightly newsletter where you will find all things clay — the focus is on the workings of my studio, but it can also be an essay on a topic, such as a specific pottery technique or making process. You can find my work on Etsy (sarascpottery.etsy.com) and on Instagram (instagram.com/sara.santaclara).
I started writing on Substack to share my passion for clay and to have a place to showcase my pottery. Clay on my mind is a fortnightly newsletter where you will find all things clay — the focus is on the workings of my studio, but it can also be an essay on a topic, such as a specific pottery technique or making process.
Find Sara on her Instagram: @sara.santaclara and on Etsy
Meet Lisa Marie!
Lisa Marie first played with clay over twenty five years ago at a community center in Maryland, USA. Although family and careers took precedence, a move to London and the pandemic provided time and the perfect opportunity to create again. Lisa became a founding member at Ceramic Classes London in Barnes and soon began teaching new students and sharing her love of clay. In 2023 a move to Sandgate, Kent provided space to create a home studio and Lisa Marie Pottery was born. Lisa Marie Pottery is a collection of functional stoneware ceramics. Each piece is a unique creation and design. Commissions are welcome and individual, one on one lessons can be arranged at the tranquil studio with a sea view.
Find Lisa on her Instagram: @LisaMariePottery
Meet Amanda!
Amanda is a Potter in the Caribbean. She has shared about her life and work in a short video for us.
Find Amanda on her Website: where she hosts a 7 day Pottery Retreat
Pottery at Home: Simple Project
If you want to experiment at home, try making a pinch pot. Take a small ball of clay, press your thumb into the center, and gently pinch the sides to form a bowl shape. Let it dry, then decorate with acrylic paint (if you don’t have access to a kiln).
Thinking of going professional?
Thinking about trying pottery professionally ? Here’s what you need to know:
Basic Tools: Clay, a rolling pin or slab roller, a few simple carving tools, and a kiln (or access to a community studio).
Techniques: Beginners often start with hand-building methods like pinch pots, coils, or slab construction. If you have access to a pottery wheel, wheel-throwing is another classic approach.
Firing: Finished pieces are fired in a kiln to harden them. Some studios offer firing services for a small fee.
Today’s ceramicists are redefining what’s possible with clay. Whether you’re a maker, collector, or simply an admirer, there’s never been a more exciting time to engage with the world of ceramics. Thank you for joining us on this creative journey-may you find inspiration in every shard, vessel, and glaze!
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And if you are an artist; we love to feature your work! If you’d like your art to be showcased in a future edition, just reach out. We’re always looking to spotlight new talent and creative voices.
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Beautiful pieces of art
Very nice work and beautiful pots!