We visited Emily at her beautiful pottery studio in East Sussex and asked her a few questions so you can get to know her better
Q&A with Emily Doran
What first inspired you to become a Potter?
I was working in arts marketing at a London gallery and had always had an interest in art and design. I had studied art history at uni, but had always regretted not going to art school and doing something more hands-on and less academic. I got itchy feet at work, wanting to be the artist, not the promoter of other people's art. There was one pivotal moment when I got to see behind the scenes of one artists process at a bronze foundry. I loved the craftsmanship involved and knew that being a craftsperson was my future. I took the leap and quit my job and went to college for a year to study ceramics. I set upEmily Doranpottery after my training and haven’t looked back once in the past 13 years!
We know all your pottery has a big coastal influence, where did this come from?
The seaside is my happy place! I am also a big swimmer and love swimming in the sea. My main influence comes from the Mediterranean Sea rather than British coast, the uplifting colours and textures. When it comes to creating new forms and glazes, it’s best to be led by what you love yourself and in my soul I’ll always be drawn to the sea, so my ceramics have followed suit.
All your tableware is beautiful, what would you say is your favourite type of piece to make?
I love making mugs. Which is lucky, as they are my best seller so I make a lot of them. There is something about repetition throwing that is addictive - always striving for the perfect form, but never quite achieving it. I use a traditional technique called ‘pulling’ to make all my handles and enjoy that process too. You can’t rush these things and it forces you to slow down, focus and be in the moment of making.
We loved coming to visit your beautiful studio in the countryside, what is your favourite part about working there?
I moved out of London a few years ago to a more rural home and studio. I love the space and being surrounded by nature and so many trees! It’s been really good for my business to have more space and my mental health to be able to look out the studio window and see beautiful greenery while I’m working.
The Potts you created are stunning! Did you find anything different with creating our potts to your usual designs?
I really enjoyed making the Potts for you! I liked the challenge of the making to such precise dimensions in order for the candle to fit snugly inside. It was lovely to adapt my speckled beach glaze to your design, stamping the POTT branding on the front.
What’s your favourite Pott scent to burn?
I love the new sea salt scent - ofcourse! It’s anything to do with the sea for me.
Shop the Seasalt Collection
The Emily Doran Collection is now sold out, but you can still shop her favourite scent below
