In this Q&A, we chat with ceramicist Ali Hewson about her artistic journey from illustration to ceramics, the joy she finds in working with clay, and how historical research deeply informs her practice. Ali shares insights into her mindful use of materials, the daily rhythms of her studio life, and the constant balancing act between work and rest. We also explore her thoughtful approach to sustainability, inspiration from historical ceramics, and her advice for emerging makers.
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your artistic journey?
I started making ceramics whilst on my Foundation at Camberwell College of Art, then carried on throughout my degree (in illustration). It was only after moving to Norfolk when I could get a proper studio that I was able to properly see through my ideas in clay, and 11 years later am still in the same studio building! Drawing still plays a huge part in my work, as does research into historical ceramics from all over the world.
2. What inspired you to pursue your craft? Was there a defining moment or influence that sparked your passion?
I just love ceramics and clay, it is endlessly interesting to me.
Your craft
3. How would you describe your work in three words?
Thoughtful… I don’t know any more sorry
4. What materials or techniques do you use, and why are they important to your process?
I use a small group of materials- the corner stones being metal oxides and a German white clay. All my slips/ colouring comes from this starting point. I think this helps tie everything together, whilst also ensuring I have minimal waste in the studio and can recycle as much of the materials I use as possible. This is important to me both environmentally, and in terms of giving myself boundaries whilst creating work- otherwise the options for what you can do in clay are limitless!
5. Can you tell us about a favourite piece you’ve created and the story behind it?
I particularly love working on repeated motifs, swans and grapes come up a lot in my work. There isn’t really a story behind it just comes from looking and processing things around me.
Creative process
6. What does a typical day in your studio or workshop look like?
I normally have quite a mixed day as I do everything myself, from packing to admin to making. I start with a swim at the local pool on my way in, then usually make a coffee and a to do list/ check urgent emails. My studio looks over factory rooftops and I’m lucky to see a lot of sky from inside, but I try and get outside either to eat lunch or have a walk to my local Oxfam to get some fresh air! I try and group jobs together but a day can get quite hectic and full of different tasks/processes. In ceramics it’s super important how each day runs into the next in the studio, so it takes a fair bit of planning in regards to what you do on day one then day two etc. I normally end the day with a post office run or a trip to the kiln. I listen to music or podcasts pretty much all day long, if anyone has any recommendations please let me know!
7. Do you have any unique rituals or habits that help you stay creative?
Not unique- just looking at things! I try and spend as much research time as possible in museums, or doing first hand research through mudlarking. Research books are the next best and are endlessly inspiring to me.
8. How do you handle creative blocks? Do you have any strategies or tips for overcoming them?
Probably by doing the above! Seeing my favourite pieces in museum collections always makes me feel inspired again.
Challenges and successes
9. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a maker, and how did you overcome it?
Balancing my time in the studio and having a life outside of it! Still working on it, but this year I took most of January off and that definitely helped mentally reset me from the mindset of everything will fall apart if I’m not in the studio 24/7. When I have big deadlines I can end up being in the studio until gone midnight, every day of the week- it just leads to burnout.
10. What’s been your proudest moment or achievement so far?
Going full time about 4 years ago, and somehow managing to keep in going, is the thing I’m proudest of.
Inspiration
11. Where do you draw inspiration from for your work? What sparks your imagination and creativity?
Historical ceramics from around the world
12. Do you have a favourite artist, maker, movement, or tradition that has influenced your craft?
Too many, I particularly love 17th century London delftware and slipware though.
13. How does colour influence your practice; is it an important part of your process? Do you have a particular palette or favourites? Any go-to sources for colour inspiration?
The colour palette I use is drawn directly from my materials- so cobalt blue, iron red/brown, an off-white clay, black slip. They are inherently natural and soft and go together, I somehow end up wearing all the same colours as my work too!
Perspectives and goals
14. What role does your environment play in shaping your creativity?
It informs how I choose materials and how I structure my business- I am very careful about making tests and aware that once ceramics are fired they last for thousands and thousands of years. I normally make pieces to order so I know that everything going in the kiln has a home to go to.
15. What do you want people to feel when they experience your work?
I’d like them to enjoy using, or living with my work
16. What are you currently working on, and what excites you most about it?
I am currently working on some special collaborations which I’m excited to share soon
Advice and reflection
17. What advice would you give to someone starting out as a maker?
Stay true to yourself, be thoughtful and considerate
18. If you could go back to the start of your career, what advice would you give your younger self?
I would try to give myself more confidence, I always have imposter syndrome!
Closing thoughts
19. If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Maybe Josef and Annie Albers as a duo. I’ve always been interested in art education and I admire how this feeds into their work. Plus they had a great research collection of objects at home, and their work is also great obviously.
20. Where can people find your work, and how can they support you?
They can find my work at alihewson.co.uk
And support my through signing up to my newsletter, or ordering through my shop — thank you!
Ali Hewson’s ceramics embody simplicity, timeless elegance, and thoughtful craftsmanship, creating pieces designed to be cherished for generations. Her commitment to sustainability and careful consideration of materials results in objects that effortlessly blend beauty and function.
Explore Ali’s latest collections and follow her creative journey:
Discover Ali’s Work:
Support Ali by subscribing to her newsletter and exploring her beautifully crafted ceramics online.
