Last year we collaborated with Independent London to display our British-designed jewellery at the 'Meet The Makers' pop-up in Shoreditch's Boxpark. Yasmin & I spent a lovely day setting up our display and meeting some of the other talented London creators. There were lots of beautiful pieces to see but we were absolutely besotted with one particular artist whose unique ceramic ring fingers and jewellery dishes were integrated into our own display.
Scottish ceramic artist Daisy Cooper (above) uses traditional hand-building techniques to create beautiful Ceramic tableware and vessels by pinching and coiling the clay. Inspired by the Scottish wilderness, Daisy's hand-applied processes and choice of earthy glazes results in stunningly beautiful contemporary pieces.
(Above) Joy setting up the jewellery display, which includes some of Daisy Coopers handmade ring fingers with our Victorian cabinets, at Independent London's Boxpark pop-up.
I wanted to find out more so we had a chat with Daisy to go deeper into her inspiration, design process and life in busy London!
(Above) A selection of Daisy Coopers table wear.
Tell me about your inspiration: Your work references the wilderness of Scotland - In what ways does nature guide your work? Is there a particular location you used for inspiration?
My work is all directly influenced and inspired by the mountainous, wild and rugged landscapes of Perthshire, Scotland, where I grew up. I’m constantly remembering and taking visual influences from the changing seasons, colours, textures of the rocks, plants and weather. The soft greens of the hills against the snowy-capped mountains in the distance. I look to reflect the ever-changing landscape through the colours and the textures I create in my work.
Where did you learn to create your organic ceramic forms?
It all came very naturally to me; I was never one for precise, geometric shapes or sharp angles in any form of art I create. I prefer to allow the medium to shape itself through my hands, which in itself creates the natural organic and ergonomic forms, which I then work from and build or carve back into.
Your muted colours and distinctive textures seem to be the signature look to your work. Do you think you will always use this palette or are you tempted to bring out collections inspired by different natural surroundings?
I am always inspired by different natural wonders and many of these are bright colour palettes however I am forever drawn back to the soft gentle greens and blues that I love seeing when I am home in Scotland. I will always look to create new collections and I’m sure new colours will pop in there from time to time but I’m also sure that the staple true colours that I love will always stay too.
Working as an independent maker, do you think that social media is integral to reaching out to new people?
Definitely, I’m not one for Facebook or Twitter for personal use but for an independent creative, especially one who makes and wants to sell, these platforms are integral to reaching new people, businesses and creating a dialogue with your customers. The visual element of Instagram has been one of the most valuable tools for my business this year.
Is there a particular ceramicist that inspires you (contemporary or historical)?
I am always inspired by the very old historic pottery found in museums, the old Celtic pieces, where you can see that the piece has been used for centuries, you can feel the history and imagine the people who made them. Imagine the way they were fired and how each piece had a function but still had a beautiful form. And the markings are amazing! So inspiring to think that maybe in hundreds of years my work ‘may’ be in a museum too!
What has been your best moment or achievement as a maker to date?
Being featured in the Sunday times ‘Slow Living’ feature was amazing. To have something you made, recognised as being a piece of art, to be treasured and kept forever. That was pretty amazing for me!
Where is your favourite place in London?
Victoria Park. I live right on the park so it’s a very special place to me, filled with memories. Being able to be surrounded by greenery is something to be treasured in London, especially in the summer when all the beautiful flowers and trees are in full bloom. Such a beautiful park.
If you want to see some of Daisy Cooper's work for yourself, we have her pieces on display in our shop on 7, Newburgh Street! Or if you can't make it into our shop, view Daisy Cooper's work online.
Joy
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