Jo Hartley

In the hands of Jo, clay transcends its earthly origins, morphing into sculptural forms that evoke the uncanny beauty of abstract skeletal structures and coral-like growths. With an intuitive, finger-molded approach, each piece emerges as a tactile dialogue between the artist and the medium, eschewing traditional tools for the raw immediacy of human touch. The resulting works—twisting, branching, and hollowed—seem to pulse with an otherworldly presence, as if relics of an alien reef or fragments of a forgotten organism unearthed from a distant realm.

​

Jo's process is as organic as the forms themselves. The clay is coaxed into shape through deliberate, rhythmic gestures, leaving behind the subtle imprints of fingertips—evidence of a deeply personal connection to the material. These sculptures blur the line between the natural and the surreal, their porous surfaces and sinuous contours suggesting both the fragility of bone and the resilience of marine life. Often finished with glazes that shimmer like bioluminescent deep-sea hues or remain starkly unglazed to emphasize their raw texture, the pieces invite viewers to linger, to ponder their ambiguous origins.

​

Rooted in an exploration of form and void, Jo's work speaks to the interplay of presence and absence, solidity and decay. The abstract skeletal and coral shapes defy easy categorization, existing in a liminal space that feels both ancient and futuristic. Each sculpture stands as a testament to the artist’s ability to imbue clay with a haunting, almost sentient quality—an otherworldly allure that captivates and unsettles in equal measure.

Clare Stringer

Clare is a visionary pottery artist whose distinctive creations bring a bold, tactile edge to functional art. Specializing in sizeable plant pots, lamp bases, and oil burners, Clare transforms everyday objects into striking sculptural pieces, each adorned with their signature rounded spikes. These organic, yet deliberate forms evoke a sense of nature’s resilience—think desert cacti or sea urchins—while maintaining a soft, approachable charm.

​

Working with earthy clays and a masterful blend of bold glazes, Clare crafts pieces that balance rugged texture with refined utility. Their oversized plant pots, perfect for statement greenery, double as standalone art objects, adding depth and character to any space. The lamp bases, with their spiked silhouettes, cast intriguing shadows when illuminated, merging practicality with an almost otherworldly aesthetic. Meanwhile, the oil burners—bold and commanding—infuse rooms with fragrance and a touch of primal elegance.

​

Each piece is hand-built and meticulously detailed, reflecting Clare’s passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional ceramics. The rounded spikes, a labor-intensive process, are both a visual and tactile experience, inviting viewers to explore the interplay between form and function. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast, a design lover, or simply drawn to the unusual, Clare’s work offers a fresh, unforgettable take on contemporary pottery.

Emma Blizard

Emma crafts hand-built hollow clay forms that captivate and intrigue. Each piece is a testament to their mastery of form, texture, and imagination, inviting viewers into a tactile and visual journey that blurs the line between art and mystery.

​

Emma favours an intimate, hands-on approach, shaping each sculptural vessel with deliberate care. Their works vary in scale and silhouette—some rise like organic totems, others crouch low and enigmatic—yet all share a common thread: hollow interiors that whisper of hidden depths. These openings, carefully carved or organically formed, beckon the curious to peer inside, teasing the senses with the promise of secrets held within.

​

What sets Emma’s creations apart is their innovative approach to texture, some ripple with glazed striations or bristle with raw, earthy roughness. These textures not only demand to be touched but also transform under shifting light, revealing new facets with every angle. The interplay of surface and structure turns each piece into a dynamic experience, as if the clay itself is alive, breathing with the artist’s intent.

Inspired by the natural world. Each piece is a conversation—a dialogue between maker, material, and viewer—where the hollow spaces and textured surfaces become a canvas for wonder.