COLLABORATION
Parallels In Form
Tell us about your journey into ceramics
My creative career began as a fashion designer, working for brands such as Martine Rose in London and BLESS in Paris, both studios, I believe treat clothing as art. In 2017 I was missing crafting, something I’d always done naturally before studying fashion. Clay seemed an appealing medium, it felt so natural to me, and I love the idea that people have been using it for practical and aesthetic reasons for centuries. I’d found a medium that felt appropriate to the stories I wanted to tell.
What inspires you most?
Working for Martine Rose I got inspired by her ability to tell really important stories, some personal, some collective through clothing and how it was presented. This, combined with meeting ceramic artist Jennefer Hoffmann whilst we were both working in Paris inspired me to go back to my roots as someone who makes with their hands. Simultaneously I was spending a lot more time back home in Cornwall taking in the natural landscapes as well as the more raw industrial side, a combination I bring into my works.
“My work is more fueled by the ways humans have impacted nature... Cornish hedges that separate the land for farming, metalwork welded to the coastline or ancient stone sites”
How do you approach a new project?
My work is one continuous project so there’s never a start and end point historically; however, I would like to work on a focused singular project one day. I collect images, sometimes ceramics but often metalwork and random script found outside, could be graffiti or a stone carving, and this research impacts what I do.
How does the wild feature in your work?
Nature is a massive part of my life; I run a rambling club called Grubber Ramblers, inspired by my grandparents. However, my work is more fueled by the ways humans have impacted nature, for example, Cornish hedges (walls made from granite stones held together without cement) that separate the land for farming, metalwork welded to the coastline for boats or ancient stone sites.
What is a typical day like in your studio?
A typical day would be cycling along the Thames, arriving, making a cup of tea, of course, and then maybe sketching a few ideas, but I usually just get the clay out and see what happens. I love going to the local cafe as it has a real sense of community, a mix of artists, police, and industrial workers. It makes you feel like people are here to work and not worry about the glam of central London! A lot of my work is inspired by my home county of Cornwall, and there are some parallels being in the more industrial part of the Thames River where my studio is based. I’ve got a small collection of inspiring objects there, including vintage ceramics and parts of a sheep’s spine my friends and I found hiking in the Lake District. I’ve taken a lot of the shapes from it into my work.
Finally, any upcoming projects you’d like to share with us?
My best friend and talented fashion designer Carl Jan Cruz and I are planning a collaboration for December! I’m about to go to Nepal trekking for 7 days straight and to see where my partner grew up so it’ll be a very special experience.
Discover a curated edit of Jessica’s ceramics at The Floristry this season including candlestick and incense holders.
Follow Jessica’s ceramic journey and organic forms @jegatremaine
Discover The Floristry's collection of flower bouquets and flowers jars each made to order by our florist team and available for flower delivery in Hong Kong.