Lucy Jane Ceramics
CREATIVE WARRIOR SERIES
“I love to experiment with texture, form, line and colour to create functional objects that celebrate the small moments and details that can often pass us by.”
Lucy Jane, Ceramicist
Moving from Sydney to Bright at the start of the pandemic pushed Lucy to hone her skills on the wheel after turning to the hobby as “a creative outlet from a very un-creative job”. Now her sort-after pieces are recognisable in the area due to her unique style which emulates the exquisite beauty of Bright. With soft, natural palettes featuring abstract carvings of trees and mountains, it’s clear that Lucy loves to bring a touch of the outdoors into our homes. We were so excited to learn that she is exploring ceramic lighting, and we can not wait to see where her creativity leads her.
How would you describe your creative or design aesthetic?
I like to create pieces that can be appreciated in their own right for their simple, clean form, but which also provide a canvas to acknowledge the beautiful area in which I live. I particularly like to contrast the raw, natural state of ceramics with soft colour.
What part of the creative process is most exciting for you and why?
I love the second stage in the pottery-making process. It's called trimming, and it involves taking a thrown pot that has become leather hard and refining its shape, carving details and adding texture to produce the final piece. It's where you see each piece take on its final character.
Describe a collaboration you are most proud of and why?
I recently launched a lighting range, which I am incredibly proud of. I've wanted to experiment with lighting for a while and these ceiling pendants have been a real labour of love. I launched them at a recent event and it was so rewarding to receive such positive feedback and to know that it's an area I should continue to develop and play in. I am also working on some great collaborations at the moment and I have enjoyed this process so much. I love working with like-minded businesses to merge different crafts and create new products and experiences. I'm excited to share some of these projects over the next few months.
Have you undertaken any type of training (formal or informal)?
Aside from a few lessons on the wheel, I'm completely self taught. I was lucky to be part of a wonderful community studio while I was living in Sydney and so I learnt a lot from some of the more experienced potters there. We're also incredibly fortunate to have a growing creative community in Bright and so there's a fair bit of knowledge sharing and collaboration that happens amongst the potters here too.
If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?
That's a tough one! There are so many inspiring creatives out there and I feel like I'd love to tap into bits of wisdom from all of them. As cheesy as it sounds, my dad has been a pretty good mentor. He's a businessman himself and can be relied upon for honest advice, practical solutions and plenty of encouragement - he was my first customer.
Lucy with some of her ceramics used in our Bright Viewhill project. Styled by Britt White Studio.
Image by @threefoldstudio in 2023.
Tell us a little bit about your creative journey and what led you to live and work in this stunning region of ours.
When I started ceramics I was looking for a creative outlet from a very un-creative job. I remember enjoying ceramics at school, so thought I'd give it a go. I got totally hooked. I was living in Sydney at the time, but a tree change was on the cards and so, having spent time enjoying Bright and the surrounds on holidays, my partner and I were drawn to the area. It helped that some of our very good friends opened their doors to us when our moving plans coincided with the start of Covid and things became a bit more uncertain. I eventually set up a home studio - after spending more and more time playing with clay in their garage - and the rest is history, as they say.
For young creatives starting out, what's the best piece of advice you would give them?
Just start. If there's one thing I've learnt since moving here it's that there is always someone or something around the corner that will give you the encouragement or motivation to keep moving forward and to keep growing. Just get started and see where it goes.
One of our favourite LJC objects. Styled by Britt White Studio.
Image by @threefoldstudio in 2023.
Britt White Studio often specifies Lucy Jane Ceramics in our residential interior design and property styling projects.
You can contact Lucy Jane Ceramics, and see more of her unique pieces at:
Email: lucyjaneceramics@gmail.com
Instagram: @lucyjaneceramics
