We sat down with Kirsty, the maker behind KJA Ceramics, to find out a little bit more about the potter behind the ceramics. KJA Ceramics is available to shop in store and online here!

KTS | You worked in textiles for a number of years before setting out in the world of ceramics. What made you decide on the career change?

KJA | I had been creating textile pieces for over ten years and was possibly losing a bit of inspiration and excitement for it. I decided to take pottery evening classes with my friend and got completely hooked, as one often does. The more I created, the more my family and friends had a really positive reaction to my work, which spurred me on. I felt more creative than when I was working with textiles.

KTS | How long ago was that, and do you remember what you found to be biggest hurdle to overcome when you were starting out?

KJA | I started evening classes in 2016 and then went almost full-time in 2019. The biggest hurdle was finding a studio and acquiring equipment. Finding a suitable place to create ceramics in Edinburgh is quite challenging. Ceramics may sometimes appear easy and carefree, but it comes with its own set of challenges.

KTS | Going from working with textiles to working with clay seems like it may be completely different, is it? Or do they present any similarities?

KJA | Yes and no. You can plan with both and be spontaneous as well. They are both very practical and hands-on, involving various processes and results. Mark making, printing, layering quite a few parallels.

KTS | You live in Edinburgh, would you say living in Scotland inspires your work and your practice in any way?

KJA | Yes, it absolutely does. It informed my textiles as well. You are never too far from the countryside or fresh air!

KTS | I saw a quote about how your work is inspired by nature and the path it leaves behind on the landscape, can you tell us a little more about this?

KJA | It's essentially another way of describing decay and deterioration. A lot of my degree work was based on pieces of clothing wearing away, changing colour and appearance over time, and the effect it would have on them. I documented this process and let it influence new work. So, I try to do something similar with my pottery, but I'm still on a journey with it. I'm still learning about glazes, clay, and how I can apply this to my practice in the future.

KTS | I love the contrast between the simplicity of the elongated shapes found in your work and the expressive glazes - I’m especially fascinated by the textured white glaze and the depth of the blacks you use. We would love to know a bit more about your process and how you developed your style.

KJA | I find these questions a bit challenging to answer because there isn't one specific thing that contributes to it. It's like lots of different snippets of all the things I've liked and absorbed from art school, Scotland, and visiting places further afield like Japan, Finland, and Sweden. It's also influenced by my love for textiles and pattern, as well as my appreciation for vintage objects.

KTS | Looking forward, how do you see your practice progressing? Do you have any dream projects or collaborations you’d love to work on in the future?

KJA | I would like more opportunities to experiment with different clays and glazes. Another wood firing, some reduction and salt firing perhaps. I would also love to do a residency abroad.

KTS | There are so many amazing potters working in Edinburgh at the moment, how would you describe the creative scene in Edinburgh compared to the rest of Scotland or the UK?

KJA | Edinburgh is a creative hub with so many fantastic artists. It's amazing how much art and creativity it has to offer. Many people come to visit, especially during the festival, and then decide to live here, myself included as I am originally from Fife. It's challenging to compare it to other creative places in the UK. I recently visited Bristol, and it's such an artistic and vibrant place—I loved it.

KTS | Are there any other ceramicists whose work you have your eye on?

KJA | Oh yes, there are many ceramicists whose work I admire. Here's a shortlist of artists I'm currently loving: Andrew Pentland, Sumiko Aoki, and Anne Butler.

KTS | Lastly, are there any standout pieces in your collection that you think really showcases you and your practice?

KJA | I love making bowls, every part of the process, from throwing to trimming and glazing. I think they work so well as they can be part of your daily use or for display. I also enjoy creating flower jugs with large, impractical handles and my ring vessels.