From Shoreline to Pottery Studio: How I Use Stones and Shells to Shape My Ceramics

There’s something magical about walking along the beach and noticing details, the texture and shape of stones, ridged shells, the imprint of countless tides on the rocks and caves and tiny mussels clustered on the rocks like miniature cities. As a ceramicist, I’m always looking for ways to bring those natural elements into my work. Not just as inspiration, but as part of the making process itself.

I've recently started experimenting making some bowls formed using a large stone I found on my local beach. I used it as a natural mould, pressing the clay gently into its surface to capture its organic curves and the subtle markings it held. I like the result... it's like it belongs both indoors and out. After I've made the bowls I return the rocks to the beach and let the tides bring me some new ones.

I experimented layering the glazes, I had in mind a particular green/grey colour of the sea that I wanted to achieve, whilst I love the result and it's close, I haven't quite achieved the colour I wanted - it stays just a little out of reach for now!

After that first experiment, I'm in the process of making a set of functional homeware using different stones and shapes.... Coming Soon!

As well as the stone bowls I've been making smaller dishes made using real shells. I press them into the clay to imprint their patterns or shape and make small pinch bowls around their contours. Each one is slightly different and then the glazing adds it's own beauty, pooling and breaking over the details.

I love that this process connects me to the landscape around me. I hope that when someone uses these pieces in their home, they can feel that connection too.