Let’s Talk. Jade Paton Ceramics
Today we are welcoming Jade Paton Ceramics to our makers and creators community. We’ve had our eye on Jade’s work and her journey since we started escolhido so it’s a real pleasure to be hosting this Q+A.
“Without social media I would not be where I am today. All the opportunities that have come my way are due to instagram. Social media has connected me to people from all over the world.”
Tell us a little bit about where you are originally from and where are you based now?
I was born in Zurich, Switzerland but my family and I moved to Cape Town, South Africa when I was 9 years old. My mother is Swiss Italian and my father is South African.
How would you define your style of ceramics and how did your style develop?
My work is minimal and bold. I would describe it as a strange juxtaposition of old and new.
What initially influenced you to become a ceramist?
I attended a pottery class in 2018 and fell in love with the medium. I have a degree in fine art where I majored in sculpture, and have always loved building three-dimensional objects.
What are your biggest influences?
I am inspired by ancient vessels from a variety of cultures, as well as forms in nature, architecture and fellow artists and designers.
How do you start your creative process?
I sketch a shape and start to build it coil by coil. Often the shape develops into something unexpected.
Tell us what your average day in the studio looks like?
Usually my assistant and I start the morning by unpacking and re-packing the kiln, we then add layers to the pieces we are working on. Usually about 10 at a time. When we aren’t building we are glazing, sanding and photographing the pieces for social media, the studio is located in my family home so there are lots of tea breaks and chats with my parents, and lately lots of swims in the pool because the weather is so hot in Cape Town.
Do you have a favourite piece or shape to make?
I am always excited when I can build something new!
How has social media influenced your business?
Without social media I would not be where I am today. All the opportunities that have come my way are due to Instagram. Social media has connected me to people from all over the world.
What was your highlight in 2020?
My collaboration with Zara and Zara Home was an amazing opportunity which boosted my brand. It was interesting to work with a commercial brand and to see my work being produced on such a large scale.
I was also very honoured to send pieces to United Arrows in Japan, which is one of my favourite stores.
Do you have a dream project?
I would like to venture into ceramic furniture design.
What is your most inspirational place?
Japan is inspiring in so many ways, the ceramics, culture and design aesthetic. I also find Greece to be a very beautiful. I love the arid nature and of course the rich history of ancient vessels.
What is next for Jade Paton Ceramics?
I am in the process of launching my online store and I am expanding my studio space to include a showroom that clients can visit.
