Profile Description

Simple Ceramics is a small-batch pottery based in a Kent village close to the emerging design hub of Folkestone. The ceramics made by Bee use a palette of simple and organic colours and from the inspiration of mid-century American and Scandinavian design. There are short and exclusive runs of vases, bowls, dishes and some hand-built work to be used both as objects of beauty or simply as beautiful homeware. There are also occasional open studios and workshops hosted in the barn studio.

Art form(s)

Ceramics
Design
Homeware

Photos

Interview

Describe what you do as a creative:

I design and make small-batch pottery using both hand and wheel thrown techniques.

Tell us briefly about yourself so we understand where you come from. What’s your family background?:

From an early age I have loved making and creating whether through sewing, drawing and, latterly, through pottery and ceramic making. I come from a long line of mainly women family members who have been creative and experimental in their love of the applied arts

What did you want to be when you were growing up?:

Many things! But always in a creative way. I began studying drama and by that path to teaching, home making, child rearing and then satisfying my own joy in making things.

Can you remember your earliest experience with art?:

I grew up on the west coast USA in California and the fifties were a very creative time in the country. We were always encouraged to make and do either at school or at home.

Why did you start doing what you do? What are your reasons? What's your story?:

A friend bought me a taster session with a local potter and after that there was no looking back! I had already spent some time handbuilding before I had children and space was a premium. This time I was determined to tackle wheel thrown ceramics in my own studio. I bought a secondhand wheel and kiln and away I went!

How did you begin doing what you do? How and when did it start?:

I converted a former garage space into a studio and I was able to really spread out and dedicate my time to perfecting the craft.

What turns on your creativity? What triggers your need to create?:

I love natural shapes, colours and architectural design as triggers to what I want to make. Naturally you look to others and I’m not alone in studying the work of Japanese and Korean potters.

What do you like best about your work?:

Getting completely caught in the moment and not losing centre!!

When were you most satisfied in your work? What is your golden moment so far?:

Combining hand built and thrown vessels to make more organic and fluid shapes

Describe a memorable response to your work? How did people respond to your work?:

Simply people seeing and showing appreciation. That, to me, is enough. And when they hold the work and decide to buy the piece. Of course that’s very gratifying.

What is the most exciting part of your work at the moment?:

Being excited every time I go into the studio. At the moment I’m really working on what I want rather than producing to order. That’s fun!

What is your dream project?:

To make the perfect moon jar!

Which artists / creative people are your heroes or inspiring figures?:

So many but probably all the people who’ve helped me to get here. Too many to mention but I think probably my mother would be up there.

What art/creativity related book should everyone read?:

Again, so many and probably not ones that are related to pottery or crafts in general. I’m such a visual person, I find seeing and touching objects fires me up more than reading about it.

Your idea of happiness ?:

Seeing a finished pot safely out the kiln!

Tell us a lesson life has taught you:

You’ll never feel you’ve got there but the journey is wonderful.

Anything else you would like to add ?:

Keep your eyes wide and your mind clear.

Simple Ceramics

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