Workshop Wisdom: Ella Bua-In
Tell us about your work.
I’m a self-taught potter who makes both functional and decorative pots from stoneware clay with illustration and narrative being key parts of my practice.
-How would you describe your workshop?
I work from a home studio and the space is usually quite chaotic, but it’s an organised chaos! I have two small children so I often have to pause what I’m doing to then pick it back up again later, meaning my work bench and desk will often be strewn with half-finished projects.
-What is the usual day in the workshop like for you?
It depends on what I have on that week, but if I was planning on a making day I’d come in with a coffee, and sit straight down to work with clay I’d wedged the day before. Later in the afternoon I’d usually move on to another job like loading my kiln or glazing some pots. Any admin usually gets done in the evening.
-Who inspired you when you were starting your creative career?
It might be a bit far back but my college art teacher, Fiona, introduced my to the artist Cy Twombly whose scribbling, swirling, cloud-like paintings were still influential on my work when I first started illustrating my pots however many (eight or nine perhaps?) years later.
-What themes, inspirations or concepts drift into your work?
I’m heavily influenced by the wildlife and landscape that surrounds us here in West Wales. I’m also inspired by traditional Japanese paintings, classical art, and folklore- a whole mix of things really!
-How do you best like to work? Music, podcast, silence?
I usually listen to podcasts or audiobooks
-If you could recommend one podcast or YouTube what would it be?
I really like the Elis James & John Robins podcast- friendly and fun!
-What is your favourite tool to use?
I do nearly all of my ‘illustrating’ with a sumi brush which allows me to achieve an amazing range of textures with oxide ink on the powdery glaze surface.
-Do you have a quote or motto that you say to yourself? Do you have any rules or rituals when working?
Only to take care of my hands — to take regular breaks to wash my hands and to use a very concentrated hand-cream!
-What advice do you have for another maker?
Keep researching, and keep exploring! It’s probably advice that most makers don’t need but I think it can be easy to get stuck in ruts. There’s always a way to expand your craft.
