Meet the maker - Lucy Morris.
Lucy Morris is a talented ceramicist who kindly collaborates with us to create our little collection of fern earthenware kitchen essentials and wave candleware.
I asked Lucy a series of questions so that you can immerse yourself in her world for a few moments and discover where she finds inspiration for her unique pottery style, process, and how a busy day in her life looks.
Seen above - Lucy in her garden studio and an example of one of her tiny creatures whom often adorn her pieces.
Lucy, was there anything in particular that inspired you to make pottery?
I have always been drawn to artistic activities and tried my hand-making with clay for the first time at school and then later at art college where I studied Fashion/Textiles. I worked in knitwear before taking a long break to have my family. A friend persuaded me to join a wonderful pottery adult education class where I got to use a potter’s wheel for the first time. From then on, I was hooked!
Your quirky ceramics are some of the sweetest we’ve seen. Was it a style that evolved or was it always going to be the vision?
I have always been drawn to practical objects with a quirky twist. I have had the good fortune to have a garden where I try to encourage birds and micro nature, so this is where inspiration naturally occurs. My pieces also evolve from sketches and at the making stage, much like our collaborations. I initially worked in a cold garage shared with my husband’s tools and bikes.
Lockdown provided a little time for my husband to build me a wonderful little studio in our garden, where I love to spend my time. There is a wonderful view of a large apple tree, which is a perfect example of the changing seasons, from the bluetits looking for a nest, blossom, bees and later apples. My work naturally changes with the seasons.
Are you an early bird or a routine-led creative? What would a ‘day in your life’ look like?
My workday starts once my youngest has gone to school. I pack orders and check my online storefronts. Then, my favourite part, I head to my studio. I may be throwing on the wheel, hand sculpting or forming pieces for orders and for stock. Otherwise, I’m loading or unloading the kiln or decorating and glazing items after the first firing. Once pieces are finished, I photograph and list them in my online shops.
Do you find working with clay therapeutic? Seeing an idea come to life must give you such a sense of accomplishment.
I love working with clay, it is an incredibly mindful experience that I would find difficult to be without. I never tire of opening the kiln after a glaze firing to find a design that has worked just as expected. There are also times when a piece doesn’t fire well or just hasn’t worked, but, thankfully, these haven’t beaten me yet.
Do you have any exciting plans for Lucyandjaneceramics for the rest of 2024?
As always, I plan to get a little more organised and work on some small collections of both sculpted pieces and tableware.
You can browse our collaboration pieces here