As architects, we often find ourselves dipping our toes into other creative outlets, perhaps often craving avenues where there is a shorter turnaround time for the finished product. Working on architectural projects, we often don't see a finished outcome until at least 12-18 months later, and after extensive periods of stress, hard work and delays. Whilst it is incredibly satisfying to see the end result, it is not without considerable time and input.

Almost 4 years ago, after just qualifying as an Architect, I was having a really difficult time personally, had started talking to a therapist and was looking for a creative outlet where I could have a few hours to switch off my mind from it all. I had always wanted to try ceramics, and get my hands stuck into clay, and so with the offering of a space on a 12 week ceramics course, I signed myself up at Skandihus to give it it a go. 

Being somewhat of a perfectionist, I learned very quickly that - despite your best efforts - you cannot completely control a natural material; and that when the kiln gods are not on your side, the pieces you have taken such care and thought with, can often come out of the kilns very different to what you expected!

Whilst there can often be disappointments, there is utter joy from being able to take a lump of clay, mould it, shape it, paint it and make it a permanent object in just a few weeks.

There are endless ideas and designs to explore and the beauty of being able to take a quick hand sketch, or idea in your head, and use your hands to create it - without any restrictions or policies to say otherwise, is a stark and wonderful contrast to my day to day job as an architect. 

After spending 12 weeks elbow deep in clay, I knew I didn't want to give it up and so I moved onto becoming a member at Turning Earth Studios in Hoxton. Whilst here I was able to develop my own style of ceramics, which became all about simple, functional forms but with bright, colourful graphics, all of which are individually hand-painted. I particularly enjoy being able to be playful and bold with my use of colour and pattern - as I am not always able to convince our clients to be so daring!

I continue to find that ceramics develops a lot of the skills that assist with my architectural career and that it has taught me to be more patient, confident - and adventurous - with my work in both the MW Architects studio and at my new studio space at The Kiln Rooms in Peckham. My ceramics pieces have now been sold online, at markets and soon to be on Not on The High Street and you can find images of all my work to date @cp-ceramics. 

by Clare Paton