Ceramic Wales- 13th June 2026
It was my first time attending Ceramic Wales and it went beyond my expectations! There were a huge array of ceramic artists there, a few I already knew or seen their work before, but a lot of them were new. There was also such a variety in work, I expecting similar to Potfest but I appreciated the large selection of sculptural works. I also noticed there was a lot of Raku or Salt Firing artists there, which went along well with the live Raku firing demonstration we got to watch for half an hour or so.
Below are some of the works or artists I found stood out to me, I definitely felt inspired after visiting Ceramic Wales and it was also very insightful seeing the 2nd years display their work here too. Next year, I’ll be showing here so it was a great opportunity to imagine what my work could look like here next year!
Cabby Luxford- Photo taken by myself
I really loved her used of the iron nails, the tied on ceramic at the front of the pieces, the colours from the smoke firing and some of her slabbed forms. The text was a nice layer as well but something I probably wouldn’t do myself. I loved the earthy presence of the pieces, I felt the making process was very evident in the final piece and every piece had an element of personal touch.
Nicola Gillis- Photo- https://nicolagillisceramics.co.uk/work/
I VERY much liked Nicola Gillis’ work- Similar feeling to when I saw Dan Kelly’s work at CAL. There’s something in the boldness of the black, yet in the simplicity of the application. The alternating white vs black backgrounds too mean the work works well as a collection. She has created a very recognisable style within her work, something I aim to achieve also. Her stand stood out and when the work was shown as a collective, each piece almost stood out even more.
Mary Wright- Photo taken by myself
Her application of slip, almost like a watercolour, works very well with the transparent glaze. There’s energy in the application and the overall colour palette of her work, with the occasional introduction of the bronzey brown, creates a balanced yet considered finish.
AO Ceramics (Andy O’Shaughnessy) Photo taken by myself
I liked the addition of the handles on the vessels and the variation in forms. The surface treatment was inspiring, slips wiped across the black clay or layer upon layer to create depth. The variation between matte and gloss finishes worked well together.
Honourable mentions to other artists I also liked-
Nic Stace
Dr Qi Fang Colbert - I brought a small hanging piece from her stand
Wendy Lawrence
Sarah Villeneau
Ian Marsh
Miche Follano
Paula Canney
And of course, the 2nd year stand! - It was very inspiring seeing all of their work outside the studio, as it just heightens the skill level of each piece even more