Emma Swales

I grew up in Cumbria with the Lake District on my doorstep. The breathtaking beauty of the land, hills, rivers, and shorelines, together with the ever-changing light and colours, all have a powerful effect on how I feel. 

When I started in ceramics a decade ago, I was naturally drawn to expressive glazing using rich and distinctive colour palettes. I did not realise then that I was evoking my own sense of being present in the landscape I love. As the years have passed, my current work combines simple forms to show off the colour palettes in a way that creates dramatic landscapes, moody skies, and coastal shorelines. They are nowhere in particular, but they are somewhere to someone. The intention is to make you stop and pause, and in so doing, create an affinity with each piece. I want you to touch, look upon, enjoy, and use the pieces I create. That’s why my work includes functional pieces to enhance your experience of eating, drinking, and sharing company. I also make one-off statement pieces for the home, such as vases and centrepieces, where changing light and placement can create a new affinity. I use stoneware clay and mainly throw on the wheel.  

I'm now based in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, and work from a garden studio. My work is available from my website, selected galleries, and at specialist ceramics fairs across Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and nationwide.