Pursuing pottery: from studio to craft fair and beyond!

In just over a week's time, I will be on the train to Lancashire to speak to a group of strangers about my ceramics journey.

My talk forms part of The Black Artisans photography exhibition which shines a spotlight on 36 exceptional artisans displaying a vibrant tapestry of craftsmanship that celebrates the richness of Black British artisan heritage.

I feel so proud to be included in this collection of talents across various artisan disciplines ranging from clay, metal, wood and textiles, featuring both traditional and cultural formats.

My sincere thanks go to the formidable Jo Sealey, founder of The Black Artisans, for her dedication to create a platform for Black British creativity.

The two remaining events relating to the exhibition, ending on 6 October 2024, are bookable on Eventbrite links as follows:

Thursday 3 October 2024

Meet the Maker: Jahday Ford (glassblower) with Samantha De Simone - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1003564597727

Sunday 6 October 2024

Black Artisans Demonstrations: Adaesi Ukairo (metal artist) and Judith Annakie-Eriksen (ceramicist) - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1003570074107

In between talks, trade shows and craft fairs, despite the difficult economic climate and low spending behaviour, the motivation to make ceramics in the studio continues with passion.

Whilst making ceramics is generally a cathartic activity, preparing for a major show brought its own type of stresses slightly reminiscent of those deadlines from back in the day.

Once I realised that my production schedule was unrealistic, I could finally put the brakes on a crazy cycle of making at a time of my choosing with no consequence to myself or a third party. What a liberating and empowering feeling this decision proved to be!

This year has seen the development of additional products to my Purple Rain, Speckles and Geo tableware collections, with the latter two being presented at the Craftworks show, Shoreditch in May this year.

The networking with other talented artists, crafters and artisans from across the United Kingdom and the feedback from visitors to my stand has been invaluable to me.

During the process of making pottery and participating in different shows, from village fetes to craft fairs, and from gift shops to large scale exhibitions I have realised that functional ware will be the focus of my product offerings in the foreseeable future.

This ties in with my ethos that handmade ceramics can be accessible to most pockets, must have a practical use (but still be decorative), and should hold a special feeling for the client.

These aims remain top of mind as I prepare for the festive season, which seems to start earlier and earlier every year.

My next big show will be the annual Clayart, quintessentially group pop-up ceramic show this time at Old Grocery in Wivenhoe, Essex.

Check out my Events page for other events taking place in November and December 2024. The Online Shop is always stocked with items and is updated regularly. So click on the link to browse the variety of handmade ceramics for all tastes and settings.

Finally, a big thank you to family, friends, associates and customers for your continued support. It means a great deal to me to hear your encouraging words.

I will be in touch again soon with a 2024 round up ... perhaps in video form since adding reel making to my list of supplementary skills. :)

Take care!

Judith