Artworks: Hallo Ceramics talks about their projects, inspirations and making a name in pottery

I’m a proud Nottingham-born maker with a deep passion for creativity that has shaped my life from a young age. Growing up, I was always the one with my hands busy, constantly inventing, imagining, and creating. After completing my A-Levels, I pursued an Arts Foundation course at NCN Stoney Street, followed by a degree in Illustration at Cardiff School of Art & Design. It was during my final year that I first dipped my toes into ceramics, and it quickly sparked a creative fire in me that was difficult to ignore.

After graduating, I found myself struggling to align with the world of illustration. I realised that my heart wasn’t in 2D work, but in 3D creations - where I could get my hands messy and experiment freely. My job in the car insurance industry felt like a creative dead-end, so in 2020, I took the plunge and joined a pottery course in Cardiff. I began with a six-week throwing course but soon discovered that throwing wasn’t my path and left the course. Instead, I embraced the world of hand-building and slip-casting. I am now, proudly, a self-taught ceramicist (with special thanks to YouTube).

In 2021, I returned to Nottingham, where my small ceramics business had already been growing for a year. I bought my first kiln, attended makers markets and hosted events around my day job and began to make a name for myself. By October 2023, I was full-time with my ceramics. It’s been an exciting, fulfilling (and sometimes terrifying) journey, but I’ve never looked back.

I now make and sell handmade ceramic earrings, mugs in many shapes, vases, tableware, dog bowls, plant pots and so much more. I also co-host our regular sell-out ‘Pots and Pints’ event alongside my monthly technical hand-building pottery workshops.

My work is all about helping others find a piece of themselves in what I create. I’m deeply inspired by colour and pattern, and I weave these elements into every piece, resulting in works that radiate playfulness and joy. In a world that can often feel overwhelming, I aim to offer a little slice of happiness - a reminder that it's okay to embrace what makes you feel unapologetically you. My pieces are designed to inspire confidence and make you feel good.

As I approach my fifth year running my business, I’m excited by the direction my work is taking. The ideas I’m exploring right now feel like some of my most honest and thrilling yet. I’ve been diving deep into my love for colour, especially in the early months of 2025, and I’m currently developing a brand new collection that I’m hoping to release by the end of March. I can’t wait to share what’s coming next!

My new project is still a work in progress, but I’m excited to have it ready for the upcoming Ay-Up Market in Old Market Square at the end of March. The quieter early months of 2025 have been a time for me to dive into inspirational books and podcasts, soaking up ideas and turning them into something exciting. This project reflects the core values that have defined my business from the very start - colour, fun, and self-expression. This time, however, I’ve really focused on pushing the boundaries of colour and pattern, especially working with clashing colours to create bold, striking designs.

When designing the shapes for these new pieces, I’ve kept the playful spirit alive, with mug handles that break the norm and brand new products like clocks and balloon vases. My hope is that these bold, eye-catching colour pairings and fun, unexpected shapes will draw people in - maybe even transport them back to a time when life was a little less complicated and filled with carefree playfulness. This project is currently untitled, but I’m very drawn to ‘Playtime’.

In the world of ceramics, patience is key. You can try to rush things, but it often leads to setbacks down the line, so I take my time with every piece. I begin by sketching out ideas in my trusty sketchbook, letting the designs start to take shape. Once I have a clear vision, I begin the creation process. I always make a few versions of each new design to account for the inevitable trial and error, testing how my clay reacts with different glazes.

My kiln is a large 100L furnace, and I prefer not to fire it until it’s full to save on costs and energy. This sometimes means delays in my timeline, especially when working on smaller pieces, like my handmade earrings. From start to finish, a piece can take anywhere from one to two months to complete, not including the extra steps like photography, editing, listing online, and preparing for a launch. As a one-woman business, I wear many hats, and each piece requires a lot of time and care to bring it to life.

At the moment, my main sources of inspiration come from books and other designers, with a particular focus on graphic design. This is especially true as I work on my new project. One book that I’ve been turning to regularly is Colour Clash by Counterprint, which has been a constant companion, helping me reconnect with the power of contrasting colours. Some of the standout highlights from the book include the bold use of colour in the Macau Poster Design Association 10th Anniversary Exhibition, the energetic pop of the branding for the 2021 FCAC Summer Festival, and the striking campaign for the 22nd edition of the International Garden Festival at Jardins De Métis. I also find myself consistently drawn to the work of Cheng Peng, whose pieces continue to inspire me.

I’m beyond thrilled to announce that I’ll be trading for my fourth year at Nottingham’s Ay-Up Market! Hosted by It’s In Nottingham, this event showcases a wonderful selection of the city’s finest small businesses, and I’m so proud to be part of it. It’s an honour to stand alongside Nottingham’s talented creatives and help turn our Old Market Square back into the vibrant, thriving market community it was always meant to be. You can find me there between 28 - 30 March, with all my latest pieces on display.

If you’d like to try your own hand at ceramics, I’ve got some exciting events coming up that might interest you. One of my favourites is the monthly Pots and Pints event, which I run alongside my best friend Emma, also a ceramicist. We transform Rough Trade Nottingham into our very own pottery paradise, where we play games with clay, create a main piece (this changes with each event), give out prizes, and treat you to a free drink on arrival. We’re so proud of the community we’ve built - an atmosphere that’s kind, welcoming, and full of support. These events always sell out with 65 people in attendance!

For those looking for something a bit more intimate and technical, I offer monthly hand-building workshops. During these sessions, I’ll teach you the essential skills to create your own piece, guide you through your design ideas, and you’ll finish by painting your work. They’ll be fired in my kiln and returned to you. These workshops are held at independent venues across Nottingham, ensuring we always support small businesses while providing a fun, supportive and creative experience.

Find Heather at Ay-Up Market between Friday 28 to Sunday 30 March in Old Market Square.

halloceramics.com