Mad About the Clay
Are you interested in learning more about ceramics, creating your own pottery, or just looking to find a new hobby?
Meet Our Creative Studios Manager, Sam...
We asked Sam, aka self-proclaimed 'ceramics nerd', about her journey into the world of clay. Drawing on her creative background in textiles, Sam shares her journey of falling in love with ceramics, offers expert advice, and reminisces about her favourite creations.
Q. How did you get into clay?
I’ve always been drawn to creative environments, but my background is actually in textiles. It wasn’t until I started working more closely with ceramics at World of Wedgwood that I properly got hooked. It’s such a special place to fall in love with clay, with all the skills and heritage we celebrate on site, and I haven’t looked back since!
Q. What is your favourite thing about ceramics?
How it makes you feel. It’s incredibly mindful, you have to slow down and really be present, but it’s also so satisfying. Watching the material transform at each stage never gets old, and there’s always something new to learn or experiment with, which keeps it exciting.
Q. Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into ceramics?
Aim to get your hands in clay as much as possible. It’s something you really learn by doing.
Working with lots of people starting their ceramics journey, I always say it’s about enjoying the process. Things will go wrong, and that’s not a bad thing; that's where the learning happens and what makes you appreciate it as a craft even more.
Q. What is something that has surprised you since working with clay?
How much patience and resilience it teaches you. Everything takes longer than you expect, from drying and firing to refining and glazing, and you really can’t rush it. At any stage, something can change or not go to plan, so you learn to go with it and keep trying. It’s surprisingly grounding.
Q. What is your favourite thing you have made so far?
I’m still learning to appreciate my own work more, but I do have a real soft spot for the pieces I use every day. A jar for coffee, a favourite bowl for breakfast, a vase for flowers, and a spoon rest when cooking. Those small, everyday moments bring me a lot of joy when I know I’ve made them myself!
Fancy trying your hand at clay? Click here.