Catherine West

Ceramicist and co-owner of Pottery West.
Catherine lives and works in Sheffield, UK, where she runs her pottery studio alongside husband, Matt. She also likes to write.

My job in three words are: Mud. Words. Mother.

A description of my studio would be a light filled, high ceilinged room in which so much stuff is crammed to the rafters - piles of clay, freshly thrown pieces, pots in progress and finished pieces on shelves. Big bags of packaging chips. The faint and constant smell of earth and coffee. Music.

The last film I saw at the cinema is Little Women in 2020.

My wardrobe stapble is Merino wool thermals from Siskin by Mama Owl.

I’m currently reading The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn

I find myself thinking a lot about how to balance business with creativity. ‘

One of my ‘desert islands discs’ would be something from Michael Kiwanuka’s ‘Love and Hate’ album, which I listened to endlessly when my son was born as it soothed him to sleep.

The last thing I cooked was Parkin, but I over-baked it and I’m still not over my disappointment.

In my fridge right now you’ll find strawberry jam, pumpkin soup, lettuce, cheese from Mellis’s. Endless jars of condiments.

The centre of my universe is in my bed with my kids sleeping next to me.

The thing that most excites me right now is when it is time for bed with my hot water bottle.

My biggest regret is the many hours spent scrolling on my phone.

I’m quite afraid of time running away with itself.

On my wish-list is a Fujifilm camera.

My message to the world is that being the maker of beautiful and slowly made objects can be an act of rebellion.

potterywest.co.uk
@pottery_west