I am an artist/maker based in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, with a passion for clay. I have over 25 years’ experience within the area, gaining a BA Hons degree from Cardiff University in 1998.

Working from my studio in the national park near Pembroke, I produce a range of ornamental and sculptural ceramics along with watercolour illustrations.

My ceramic sculptures have taken inspiration from the beautiful rolling hills of West Wales and the patterns I see within the landscape.

My work has evolved as I have walked the hills and watched the changing skies that surround me. Finding myself living on nature’s doorstep has not only allowed me quiet, creative space but time to consider who or what I share the landscape with. I take great joy in modelling the animals I create and love the feeling of seeing each character evolve and come to life as I sculpt. The animals have become an integral part of my pieces and the love I have for all living things continues to influence my practice.

I explore finishes and textures using coloured slips, engobes and underglazes and each piece is completed and enhanced using a combination of methods, then fired between 1040-1100°.

From the West country to West Wales

Open Skies Studio was always a creative dream, a dream I held on to for many years, not always trusting it would happen, but being determined that it would….

With the help and support of my wonderful husband and loving father, my studio was established in 2020. It is now where I can truly channel my creativity and find joy and inspiration within my workspace and the open skies that surround it.

My passion for creating started from a early age, having an artistic outlook on life felt deeply rooted within me, from picking up a pencil for the first time and mark making, to making Sindy doll furniture from cardboard and fabric.

My creative journey followed a path of general art and design, gaining skills in elements such as life drawing, printmaking, photography and model making at foundation stage.

Having explored a range of disciplines, I chose to specialise in 3D design, gaining a HND in Ceramics & Glass at Plymouth University in 1996 and a BA Hons in Ceramics at The University of Wales, Cardiff (UWIC) in 1998.

My work has diversified over the years as either my inspiration has altered, or market trends have changed and transformed. Either way, my ceramic work has always incorporated hand-building methods, printed surfaces and an attention to detail with modelled features.

A relocation from Wiltshire to West Wales in 2018 enabled me to establish my current studio and develop a range of work inspired by the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside where I live.

From the steep rolling hills and deep valleys, to the beauty within the hedgerows and banks along the quiet country lanes, everyday I feel inspired to transform my ideas into reality.

Exploring details such as the wildflowers on my doorstep, interesting plants within the hedgerows and the unusual wind-swept trees I see every day, has supported my ideas and creations. Each piece of visual information that surrounds me now, has inspired the development of my work.

Get in touch….

• Open Skies Studio
• Cosheston, Pembrokeshire
• jemmaelsley@hotmail.com