2020 AWARD WINNER | Staffordshire University
Posted on - 9th September 2020
Amy Jackson | BA Hons Designer Maker
Staffordshire University
Tell us about yourself, your work, and your career path so far.
I’m Amy and I’ve just completed my BA (Hons) 3D Designer Maker degree at Staffordshire University, where I specialised in ceramics. I also completed a foundation course in Art and Design at Staffordshire University in 2017. My work in ceramics is influenced by the many mesmerising aspects of the natural world. I work in an experimental and expressive manner drawing together different methods in order to produce new forms and exciting visuals. My most recent project focused on developing a glaze technique that represents the natural landscape and I earned Keith Brymer Jones’ Award for ‘Outstanding Young Designer 2020’ for this work. I’m currently on the lookout for a new studio space and hope to continue to produce and sell my work in the future.
Describe your first encounter with clay?
I was born and bred in the Potteries and my very first encounter with clay happened in primary school when I was around age 7! I vividly remember visiting popular pottery museums and spending time in the classroom making clay pots and clay tiles. Even now, I recall these early activities as some of my favourite creative experiences. I’ve always enjoyed working with clay and this innate interest fed into my choice of university degree.
Why did you choose ceramics?
I love being creative and finding exciting ways to express myself and for me ceramics enables me to do both of these things! I find that the tactile and unpredictable nature of working with clay – and the constant learning that comes with it - is something I enjoy and can really immerse myself in.
Where do you find inspiration? Places, people, objects, music...
I find inspiration everywhere! I’m a very curious and imaginative person and find that I look at the world around me with a very open mind. The intricacies of the natural world in particular fascinate me and I enjoy drawing on the elements of everyday life that are often overlooked.
What are the tools of your trade that you can't do without?
Basically, I’m like a walking shop most of the time! I always have a sponge, a jug, a pin tool, one of my wooden throwing tools, and of course a notebook and pen. However, I have a selection of boxes and trays that I carry around with me in the ceramics department and they contain everything from recycled containers for glaze developments, various slip experiments, random pens and pencils, notepads, masking tape, and sometimes even bags of clay (weighty!). So, I’m always ready just in case I suddenly decide to start throwing or need to write anything down!
What is a typical day in the studio like?
Fun and full! There is always lots of laughter, singing, smiling, and dancing in our studio which I find really feeds my creativity and productivity. The rest of my day is usually full of design, development, testing, and throwing. There is never a quiet moment and a typical day is always busy, but enjoyable.
What do the next 12 months have in store for you?
I’m on the lookout for a new studio space for me and my potter’s wheel so I can keep working on my designs and producing more work. I’m also deciding if to pursue an MA in Ceramics and Glass in order to enhance my skills and knowledge further.
What advice do you have for those currently studying ceramics in further education?
Believe in yourself and your ideas! Don’t be afraid of things going wrong, because that’s how you learn. Mistakes teach us what works and what doesn’t and you can use them to improve. Also, listen to your lecturers and the technicians who work with you. They have so much knowledge and experience and you can learn so much by just taking the time to talk to them. But most importantly of all, enjoy it!
