We first came across the beautiful work of Karen Peters as we walked along Seaside Road in Eastbourne, pausing at the window of Eastbourne Studio Pottery to admire their pottery. Karen’s studio is based there, where she also teaches, and it’s a maker’s paradise with lots to inspire and unlock creativity. We’re honoured to show some of Karen’s creations in the Port lounge area and hope you stop by Eastbourne Studio Pottery during your stay at Port to see more of her artistry.

Over to Karen to tell us more about her creative journey…

What kick-started your love of clay?

I was introduced to clay when I studied for my degree in Brighton as a mature student. I was intrigued with the possibilities the material had to offer, and what I could say with it. I was, and still am, fascinated by the alchemical processes in play turning clay from wet earth to solid form.

What type of ceramic process do you practise?

My making practice is both slip casting and hand building, both methods have different outcomes. Hand building the pieces that are currently with Port, I use a clay that allows me to produce work of a much larger scale by comparison to my cast porcelain pieces which are tiny!

Slip casting is a ‘hands off’ process, and usually used to produce multiples - all design elements are in place before the form is created. A liquid clay is poured into plaster moulds, and the mould determines the shape of the form.

Hand building allows a more immediate freedom of design, changes can be made during the making process. I make large scale drawings from my ceramic pieces; these drawings form the initial ideas for subsequent work. The hand-built forms are related - working in this way allows a freedom that is different to slip casting.

The clay that I use for my hand-built forms allows me to sculpt when the clay is firm rather than a soft clay state, this allows me to work quickly and fairly cleanly - I don’t like getting my hands dirty which amuses my students when I reveal this.

When did you establish your studio? Tell us a bit about the space.

My studio is located in DC2 Makerspace, Eastbourne a stone’s throw from the beach! Makerspace is also home to Eastbourne Studio Pottery where I teach. I’m lucky to have wall space to create my drawings and a place to make. I’m also conveniently next door to the kiln room for the kiln service that the pottery offers.

What inspires your work?

Light, space, materials and processes.

What four words would you use to describe your creations?

Quiet, meditative, timeless, minimalist.

“In the back of my mind there is always a William Morris quote… ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.’”

Tell us more about the classes you run?

I am one of the directors of Eastbourne Studio Pottery and teach beginner classes through to technical support for more advanced makers or one-off projects working with artists where clay is not their usual medium.

What do you love about the Sussex coast?

On a bright sunny day, the light here is almost Mediterranean. Walking up on the downs the sky and sea views are incredible and changing all the time.

What are your three favourite things about living in Eastbourne?

Easy train links to London and the rest of the south coast.

Friendly arts scene.

Quieter than Brighton!

Any must-visit or go-to recommendations for people headed to Eastbourne and the surrounds?

Birling Gap is one of my favourite places, especially at low tide on a calm day. The coastline is changing and shifting all the time, the visitors centre tells the story of coastal erosion in an accessible way.

Towner Gallery is an absolute must for contemporary exhibitions.

Eastbourne Studio Pottery - book in advance for a taster session, play with clay hand-building and have a go on the wheel! Pots can be posted once they are fired if you’re not local to Eastbourne.

To see more of Karen’s work follow her on Instagram @karenpetersceramics

With thanks to Emma Croman for the photography.

Port Calls Karen Peters