Andrew Walker Ceramics – a new studio for the Sheffield art scene
Sheffield is a city of makers and doers. From its history as an industrial powerhouse famed for cutlery production and onto modern day where the city is building an enviable reputation as a hub for independent creative’s. For any artist thinking of a place to base themselves then Sheffield boasts an array of galleries and popular art centric spaces.
And this is why Andrew Walker decided to create a ceramics studio within walking distance of Sheffield city centre. Situated just off Abbeydale Road in the Works 57 Building , Andrew Walker Ceramics is now open for business.
An early love of clay
It’s a project that’s been several years in development for Andrew who returned to his love of pottery and ceramics after a professional career in merchandising, textiles and interiors.
“I first worked with clay as a teenager during my Art & Design foundation before embarking on a Textiles Degree. I always loved the free flowing nature of creating pieces from clay and making sculptural industrial forms. I didn’t know back then that I would eventually return to pottery as the medium I most felt I could express myself through.”
After working for a whole roster of notable interiors brands Andrew came to realise that his love of art and objects and in particular ceramics was something he wanted to have more of a tangible connection with.
“Whilst I loved many aspects of the commercial retail environment especially merchandising and displaying unique and interesting pieces I always felt I should have been the person behind the objects being made and not the person staging and photographing them.”
Inspired by ceramics
So a change of focus began for Andrew when he entered into classes to reintroduce himself to the world of clay, hand building and ceramics.
“It became clear quite early on for me that pottery was going to pull my artistic focus and I began investing in open studio time to access kiln and glaze facilities whilst building a small area in my own home devoted to clay and making.”
Beginning with more organic and rustic forms Andrew’s focus moved onto architectural and even brutalist design principles which he softens through his hand built way of working along with the use of different clay types and textures.
“I’m inspired by my everyday surroundings. From drain covers through to concrete angles in modern car parks I’m always thinking of how something within our lives we might take for granted could translate into the medium of ceramics and how clay can bring an otherwise ordinary curve or line to life.”
It’s a thought process which has seen Andrew already achieve commercial success with several independent retailers across South Yorkshire and Derbyshire having displayed his work along with various exhibitions.
“There’s nothing more satisfying than when someone loves the piece of ceramic art that you’ve created so much that they want to take it home. I never anticipated when first starting that I’d find my pieces displayed in shops and now a few years on I find myself needing to take the next step into opening my own ceramic studio.”
A place to make and teach
For those looking to embark on their own creative journeys with clay there is also the fact that Andrew will be offering ceramic workshops from his own studio with a focus on making beautiful, functional pieces.
“When it came on deciding what sort of workshops to offer I wanted students to come away with a piece they will actually get use from and be proud to display. That’s why I’m offering classes that explore pottery through form and function. Platters that you’ll be able to put chips and dips on, planters that will be perfect for potting a succulent. The beauty of ceramics is that they can be art and functional – the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive in this medium which is what makes it unique.”
The pottery workshops on offer will be small and intimate allowing for one to one time to make sure students get the most from their ceramics experience.
“Classes are limited to 4 – 6 adult students as a maximum to ensure everyone gets enough care and attention. From the initial preparation and hand-building techniques through to decoration, glazing and firing my hope is that everyone will leave an Andrew Walker Ceramics workshop feeling creatively fulfilled and inspired by clay.”
Interested in finding out more?
You can contact Andrew Walker Ceramics here >
