Makers
Meet: Lora Huws, Ceramicist
We catch up with ceramicist Lora Huws (aka Laura Hughes) in her North London studio as she creates our exclusive new bakery range for Islington…
Tell us a little bit about your journey and what it took to become a professional ceramicist?
I originally studied ceramics at university and when I graduated I wasn’t sure what or how I wanted it to manifest. I spent some time traveling and then ended up living in Japan for 5 years. I’d always had an interest in Japanese design, architecture and ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) but became fascinated by the way they interacted with tableware in the everyday, always using a range of beautifully and often handmade items which all served a specific purpose. I started making again, and on returning to the UK began throwing on the wheel. I hadn’t done much throwing before but quickly fell in love with the repetitive, almost meditative process and enjoyed the speed at which something would come into fruition before your eyes. I spent evenings and weekends practicing and taking courses when I could. One of the first studios I took a class at was Jess Jos’. I went back to Japan to do a months residency at a studio with a ceramicist in Nagoya, and on returning started working with Jess as one of her studio assistants. Jess taught me some invaluable skills that I still use now, especially how to make production ceramics. She continues to inspire me with her beautiful, functional ceramics.
What’s a typical day in the life of Lora Huws?
I always spend the morning listening to ‘Do You Radio’ while I do jobs like recycling clay, packing orders, wrapping pots, glazing and loading the kiln. I mostly make in the afternoon when I can have a few solid hours without interruption, either throwing or trimming.
What is it about the medium of ceramics that drew you in?
I love how tactile it is at every stage from the making process to finished pieces. We use ceramics in our everyday life and they are intrinsic to our daily rituals of eating and drinking. I love the constant connection between maker and user, that someone’s hands and touch have been preserved within ceramic that we then continue to use, touch and interact with.
What do you like most about your job? And what have you learnt from it?
I love working with my hands and enjoy the flexibility of working with lots of different people and projects. I have learnt that a good work ethic is so important, that being nice goes a long way, and to always keep a stock of good hand cream!
When working on a new range for a restaurant what’s your design process?
I usually start by exploring my sample collection with the client to see what they are drawn to—and also what they’re not drawn to! Ceramics is such a tactile medium. I think it’s important to touch and feel a clay or glaze instead of just looking at a picture. I also talk to them about what they will be using it for and how will it be interacted with. I then make samples and usually in the first round we tweak things, like for example the glaze or the dimensions of a piece. I think making a sample is the best way to know if something is really going to work or not.
What or who inspires you?
My mum!
Okay! Quick Fire Four:
Favourite spot in London?
For food and atmosphere, always Kiln.
What book, podcast, or tv show are you currently enjoying?
Weasels in the Attic by Hiroko Oyamada.
Which artist or maker are you loving at the moment?
Daisuke Iguchi.
And lastly your favourite Pophams pastry?
Marmite & Schlossberger!
Find out more at www.lorahuwsceramics.com
Follow @lorahuwsceramics