Katie Almond, ceramic artist

Naomi Jones meets ceramic artist Katie Almond, who was inspired at a young age by her creative grandmother and makes hand-decorated porcelain and ceramic pots, jugs and cups using fabric or paper transfers.

Can you sum up your craft for us?
I use my pots as blank canvases for hand decoration, and create nostalgic designs using ceramic decals (fabric or paper transfers).

How did you become a ceramic artist?
I did a BA (Hons) degree in Design Crafts at De Montfort University in Leicester. In the first two years we were encouraged to experiment with a wide range of materials: textiles, ceramics, jewellery, metal, wood and glass (to name just a few); then in the third year we had to specialise, and I chose ceramics and paper. It was that final year that really fuelled my passion for making, and I produced a range of paper and porcelain jugs and cups; if I had chosen just ceramics I’m not sure I would have ever thought to combine the two different materials.

Were you creative as a child?
Yes, I was always drawing, painting and making things from a very young age, a lot of the time with my grandmother who took care of me during the school holidays. This love of drawing carried on right through my education and I regularly entered design competitions; art was most definitely my favourite subject and I studied it for both GCSE and A-level.

What makes you create?
Objects that visually excite me, and the passion in other people, including my grandmother, and particularly designer-makers; for instance, Rob Ryan, who is well known for his cut-paper and screen-printed work (misterrob.co.uk), and Jennifer Collier, who creates paper shoes from old maps and letters (jennifercollier.co.uk).

Where do you find design inspiration?
Nostalgic objects and vintage textiles; at the moment, it’s my collection of old labels and tickets, or it could be a pattern I see on a piece of fabric. I also have a vast amount of vintage tins, cups and saucers, letters, and embroidered fabrics, many of which are personal to me as they once belonged to my grandmother.

Which creation are you most proud of?
I am usually proud when I see a whole batch survive after being in the kiln. But there is never just one thing that stands out – I usually like different bits of a few; for example, pieces that are quirky with phrases that make me smile, such as ‘thirsty?’ on the inside of a cup.

Have you had any unexpected commissions?
I was pleased earlier this year when I was given the chance to come up with some greetings cards and two of my designs were accepted.

Is making a full-time occupation?
Not at the moment, I also work in my local pub; I really enjoy it as it’s very friendly and the owners have some of my work on display, so occasionally I sell some pieces too, which is really rewarding.

What piece of advice would you give others who want to be more creative?
Take all the opportunities that come your way.

Brooches cost £10, cups £28, jugs from £38, and a three-tier cake stand is £138. To commission Katie, call 0752 836 8043 or visit katiealmond.co.uk.