For over two decades, Emma Thomas has been shaping, sculpting, and wood-firing pieces that blend traditional inspiration with a contemporary twist. What started as a humble evening pottery class has grown into a lifelong journey of creating both functional ceramics and spirited sculptures. Join us as we find out more about the journey, inspiration and passion behind these beautiful works,
Emma’s journey with clay began 20 years ago when she signed up for evening classes at Wobage Farm Craft Workshops in Upton Bishop. Under the guidance of ceramic experts Jeremy Steward and Patia Davis, what started as a creative escape from the bustle of life with young children quickly turned into a deep-seated passion. Fast-forward two decades, and Emma is now the talent behind Emma Thomas Pottery, creating everything from functional vessels to – yes – charming clay chickens.
A Lifelong Love of Making
A love of creating goes way back, with ceramics becoming the most recent chapter in a life of hands-on artistry. “Ceramics is therapeutic,” she explains. “At first, it was a space just for me, away from my wonderful but very young children. Then, as my skills grew, it became rewarding as I experimented with different techniques.” Of course, there are always setbacks along the way. “Nothing’s worse than opening the kiln to disappointment – but thankfully, that happens less as I get more experienced!” she adds.
Finding Inspiration in the Past
Emma’s designs often draw on the traditional pieces she admires in museums, where classic shapes and functionality serve as inspiration. Colour comes down to mood – right now, she’s into a honey and black combination, which brings warmth and richness to her pieces. But it’s the organic process of wood-firing and salt-glazing that she truly loves. “After all, who doesn’t enjoy a fire and the smell of wood smoke?” she quips.
From pots to chickens!
Emma works out of her studio at home, where she’s been expanding her artistic horizons with a playful experiment in sculpting chickens. “It’s great fun!” she says. And while the early years of balancing family and pottery meant snatching time here and there, now that her children are grown, she’s enjoying the prospect of more creative freedom.
Her Ideal Creative Day
Emma’s dream day in the studio sounds almost idyllic: “Sunshine, birds singing, my dog snoring, and the studio doors wide open while I potter – literally.” While her trusty mug is usually filled with peppermint tea, it’s cider if she’s working on her chickens in the afternoon.
Where to See More
If you’d like to see more of Emma’s work, head to her website, EmmaThomasPottery.com, or her Instagram, @emma_thomas_pottery. There, you’ll find beautiful, one-of-a-kind ceramics that capture the earthy, organic spirit of her studio – with maybe a chicken or two!
Emma Thomas’s story is a testament to the beauty of following one’s creative instincts and embracing a journey of discovery. From museum-inspired vessels to cider-fuelled chicken sculptures, her pottery is full of life, warmth, and a touch of humour. Whether you’re a ceramics enthusiast or simply charmed by Emma’s approach, her work invites you to appreciate the skill, joy, and occasional kiln surprise behind each piece. Catch more of Emma’s work on her website and Instagram, and who knows – you might just find a piece or two you can’t resist!
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