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  • August 09, 2024 3 min read

    We visited architectural designer and ceramicist Jayne Kersten at her studio in Hackney Downs. Choosing to make her pieces using a ‘coiling’ method, where each piece is made by slowly and carefully building up layers of clay by hand, Kersten’s ceramics are incredibly unique and her work shows a true connection between material and maker.

    How did you begin your journey into the world of pottery?

    I started with a night course about three or so years ago in 2019, which was both hand-building and throwing and I really enjoyed as I hadn’t done any ceramics before. I wanted to do more but then covid happened so classes were cancelled and I got put on furlough so I started hand-building pieces at home on the coffee table. The problem was I then needed to fire my pieces, so I found the studio in Hackney Down where I am now and they let me come in to use the kiln. I basically did that for a few years, making at home but then the opportunity came along to take a spot in the studio and I took it!

    Tell us a little bit about this studio we’re in?

    There’s twelve of us that share the space here currently and the studio started about seven years ago. There’s a mixture of full time and part time potters which is great as everyone comes and goes at different times, on weekdays and weekends and there’s a real mix of skills and styles which is amazing. There’s people working on handbuilding, coiling, throwing which is great as there’s a real shared knowledge and for me as someone who had been mainly self taught, I was very lucky as I’ve learnt a lot of what I know from everyone else here.

    What is it about hand-building that you prefer to throwing?

    When I did the night course, I really enjoyed throwing. Something about the immediacy of making a form, and it was a skill which you can’t do at home so actually the night course I first did was all about that. But then when I was forced to carry on making from home the only option was hand-building and actually in the night courses there was a certain time pressure so hand-building didn’t seem as much of a viable option. Hand-building is more about building up slowly over time so it felt like working from home I had the time to create and experiment to create a finished piece. As you hand-build you have more freedom to change and build and re-assess as you go which creates unexpected outcomes which I really enjoy.

    Who’s work inspires you most?

    I think Lucy Rie. When I started one of my colleagues gave me one of her books second hand for secret santa and I was really taken by her work. It is very considered and delicate and she has an amazing understanding of form and balance and a very refined aesthetic. Equally, I really love walking about museums and looking at pre-historic ceramics which always blow my mind. I’m always surprised by the date on pieces and am drawn to the fact that they were built for a function but are still so beautiful, and they’ve lasted a lifetime!

    Okay! Quick Fire Questions:

    Favourite spot in London?

    Hackney Marshes. 


    What book, podcast, or tv show are you currently enjoying? 

    Educated by Tara Westover.


    And lastly your favourite Pophams pastry?

    Almond Croissant!

     

    Shop the Collection


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