shaped by earth and atmosphere
SMOKE-FIRED CERAMICS FOR DAILY RITUAL
welcome to the studio
I’m a South African ceramic artist making smoke-fired ceramics in Hampshire, England.
I love collaborating with fire, smoke, and a healthy amount of unpredictability to create functional pieces full of texture, movement and character.
Fired outdoors using seaweed, leaves and other natural materials, each piece emerges with its own unique markings that often echo celestial surfaces and planetary atmospheres.
Hey! I’m Jess
form - fire - texture - joy
Smoke firing is a combination of craft, experiment and scavenger hunt.
As I pack the high-fired pieces into barrels for firing I surround them with wood and the gathered organic materials that leave smoky markings and unexpected patterns on the surfaces. Feathers, flowers, horsehair, seaweed and eggshells are among my favourite ingredients, though I'm always collecting new bits and pieces from walks, beaches and hedgerows.
Fire does the rest, transforming these humble materials into atmospheric surfaces full of texture and surprise.
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PS. Your last name is NOT necessary!
follow the process on Instagram
For extra snippets & behind-the-scenes, find me here: @jessica_merle_ceramics
