Let me introduce myself: I’m Eli, otherwise known as @MissEliPotteress, the third resident to carry the Wiltshire Ceramic Studio torch – following and expanding upon the foundations laid by Sarah Purvey and Milly and Sonny Hardy.
I received most of my technical training in the Mudfire residency program under the phenomenally skilled Daphne Dail and Deanna Ranlett, who currently own and operate Mudfire. Mudfire is an amazing gallery and studio space, founded by Eric Haagensen and Luba Sharapan, and its community is rich and nourishing soil for developing aspiring potters. Its model has been adapted and expanded here in the UK by Tallie Maughan – Turning Earth in London.
There I developed a great appreciation for our ‘clay community’: cross pollination of techniques, exchange of ideas, and eccentric, ever-generous, spirit. I’m bringing with me the belief that a studio space should be a warm, welcoming place for anyone to come relax, explore, and learn to connect with clay.
Here in the UK I’ve met some fantastic potters – Mirka Golden-Hann of Salisbury Arts Centre, and Graham Taylor, of Potted History were two of my first aquaintances, and indeed some of the nicest potters one could happen across.
Pottery as a hobby craft remains as popular as ever – as demonstrated with programs like “The Great Pottery Throwdown”, in our minds it’s both nostalgic and exciting, practical and decorative. There’s nothing more relaxing than an evening pottery class – people coming together to share and explore; hectic lives can be set aside for a few hours, and the world is reduced to the satisfying simplicity of squishy mud.
I also believe in the importance of reminding ourselves how to connect our minds and hands. The rise of the “maker” movement has made it clear: people want to revive skills, to feel capable and competent. In an age where screens captivate so much of our attention, we mustn’t forget how to operate our magnificently developed fingers for more than just swiping screens.
At Wiltshire Ceramic Studio, we offer regular classes, parties and one-on-one tuition for all levels and ages. Since the studio comes with two beautiful kilns, I’m in a position to facilitate firings for others – a great resource for folks whose love of big pots cannot be denied!
In addition to this, I engage in my own studio practice; the fruits of which can be found in here in my gallery shop, or on my Etsy.
