Let’s Talk. Becky Nolan Ceramics
We invited becky nolan, ceramist, friend and owner of the well known Peanut Vendor in east London to talk to us about her work and what inspires her. Today we are talking about her new ceramics project.
Tell us, how long have you been working in ceramics?
Not long. I did a short course in 2019 after a friend bought it for me as a birthday gift. After the course finished, I didn't touch clay much. Then at the start of 2020 I really got going again and haven't stopped since.
What led you into working in ceramics?
In the first lockdown in 2020 when we were all so anxious and work had sort of paused, I really needed something to do. So I just ordered a lot of clay and set about making all day every day. Instantly a sort of addictive compulsion set in. It satisfies both the practical side of me, that likes to build things and solve problems; and also obviously a creative side which wants to throw paint around and see what happens.
How would you define your style?
I'm definitely still working that out. I'm not all that interested in function; I like making things to look at. I like to be quite free with slips and glazes and use them like paint. I described one vase recently as a Cy Twombly/Roman Amphora mash up. So maybe that's my style. For now : )
What are the biggest challenges when creating your pieces?
Glazing is a constant battle. I make quite large pieces and the larger the piece the harder it can be to glaze. But you know sometimes a glaze accident can have a really great surprise outcome. Something you hadn't planned on, but ultimately looks good. Other times it's a case of ruining something you've laboured over for hours.
“i described one vase recently as a cy twombly/roman amphora mash up. so maybe that’s my style. for now : ) ”
What are your biggest influences?
I'm an antiques dealer by day so I deal in a lot of ceramics. All the different and unique objects and shapes that have passed by me over the years is probably my main influence. Specifically, though I'm a hand builder, so I take a lot of influence from people that make or made pots using the same techniques. That would be ancient pottery, pre-columbia and african ceramics. I'm really interested in texture too and I like to try and create something like you might see on a canvas.
Where is your most inspirational place?
Gosh well we haven't been to many places since covid so it's a tricky one to answer in respect to my ceramics. I guess I look for inspiration wherever really. I was in Italy last year for work and was really taken with the colours and textures of the sun bleached ochre walls everywhere. I would have to say the most inspiring place I've been in general is to the houses of Geoffry Bawa in Sri Lanka and the Gardens of his brother Bevis Bawa. Everything about the aesthetic in those places is perfect to me.
How do you start your creative process?
I have a sketch book of vase shapes and sometimes the items in it get made into something real. However it's more of an organic thing. I start with a rough plan for the clay, I tend to make three pots at a time with the hope they look different, but part of the same idea. Then once i've finished the shape I will then make a decision about if it needs decoration from handles, slips or glazes.
Tell us what your average day in the studio looks like?
Ideally I would have a whole day and if I do, I start very early and find it very difficult to walk away, often going late into the evening. My studio is in my very small flat so there is a clean up every hour or so. Endless cups of tea and non stop podcast/news on. All interspersed with dog walks!
What has been your highlight in 2020?
Without a doubt it's discovering this side project for myself. It wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for Covid lockdown. I'm really happy to have got this thing going and to know I'll always have it.
Do you have a dream project?
I would quite like to spend some time out of London somewhere beautiful like Scotland with the specific intention of making a collection. I would just love to see how being in nature would affect the work.
Could you recommend to our readers other new artists and creators on the scene that you love?
Nicolette Johnson has done the most inspiring collection for a solo show recently, truly unique and so elegant. Jessica Coates of Studio MC is for me the gold standard when it comes to hand building, her forms are just everything you want to be able to do when you sit down with clay; they are effortlessly stylish, but they are obviously so considered and very beautiful.
Paul S Briggs makes the most mesmeric pinch pots, almost psychedelic. His videos on Instagram show his incredible process and he's a master.
What is next for Becky Nolan Ceramics?
Well I think just keep on making and practicing. I need to be able to fire more and do it frequently, so I think a bigger kiln is in order. Then maybe in the summer I can get up to Scotland and do a load of making near nature!
