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  • Sonya Ceramic Art

    Ceramics & Pottery Inspired By Nature

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    Ceramics & Pottery Inspired By Nature Fatsia Leaf Dishes by Sonya Ceramic Art

  • Sonya Ceramic Art

    Reflecting Beauty In The Changing Seasons

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  • Sonya Ceramic Art

    Working With The Elements Of Earth

    Pottery Tuition
    Sonya Ceramic Art offers Pottery Tuition and Clay Classes in Bristol

My Ceramic Collections

I make unique Ceramics & Pottery Inspired By Nature. I produce tablewares, planters and jewellery using real leaves to create an impression in the clay. My passions are creating with my hands and walking in nature. Therefore I love to forage leaves from local arboretums and woodlands to inform my work. Some pieces become serving platters, coasters and dishes. Others are unique sculptural holders for houseplants. I also make unique leaf jewellery to complement your wardrobe attire.

Decoration

I work in a range of colours, using various oxides, glazes and lustres to reflect the seasonal shades of the leaves as they transition throughout the year. Each leaf I use in the making process is one-of-a-kind and the firing process also creates unique combinations of glaze colours. Therefore, not one piece is ever the same. Each unique piece of Ceramics & Pottery Inspired By Nature harnesses the healing beauty of nature.

  • Jewellery

    My jewellery pieces are marked with a unique code so you can trace their design back to the original leaf used in their making. A grid reference and photograph on my ‘back to its roots‘ page offers you the complete story of their creation. They are perfect example of how my Ceramics & Pottery Inspired by Nature are authentically linked to their origin.

  • Tableware

    Nature’s inspiration and functionality combine in my tableware collection. Sure to impress dining guests, each piece is made using different varieties of giant leaves, the largest being used for my sharing platters. Smaller leaves of various types are used to make complementary coasters and condiment dishes to complete the dining experience.

  • Hanging Planters

    My hanging planters are made using fine porcelain sculpted into free form organic shapes. They can be suspended from window handles, ceiling hooks and plant stands. Perfect for housing air plants, orchids, cacti and succulents, their distinctive forms complement any modern or country living home. Each one is unique bringing a timeless quality to any environment.

Visit My Shop Learn About My Online Pottery Course View My Collections Enrol On My Leaf Platter Workshop
Sonya Wilkins in Ceramic Studio in Bristol UK

About Me

As a child I loved walking in bluebell woods, scrunching autumn leaves with my feet and playing pooh sticks in the stream near where we lived. My father taught me to paint using oils from the age of seven and it wasn’t long before I found clay at school. Consequently, it’s tactile and accommodating properties have inspired me to create 3-dimensionally ever since. In 1995 I qualified in ceramics BA (Hons) at Bristol Bower Ashton Polytechnic under the guidance of Mo Jupp, Walter Keeler and Nick Homoky. This was a rich and immersive learning experience with three renowned potters as my tutors.

Career

Going forward, creating continued to nourish my soul alongside a 10 year career in people development and starting a family. But, it wasn’t too long before my creative appetite got the better of me, so I decided to teach ceramics part-time at Clifton High School. After this, I decided to focus my attention on becoming a professional ceramic artist in 2013.  I remember when I touched clay for the first time in a few years – it was like I had come home again.

Sonya Wilkins in Ceramic Studio in Bristol UK

About Me

Ever since I was a child I loved walking in bluebell woods, scrunching autumn leaves with my feet and playing pooh sticks in the stream near where we lived. My father taught me to paint using oils from the age of seven and it wasn’t long before I found clay at school. Consequently, it’s tactile and accommodating properties have inspired me to create 3-dimensionally ever since.

In 1995 I qualified in ceramics BA (Hons) at Bristol Bower Ashton Polytechnic under the guidance of Mo Jupp, Walter Keeler and Nick Homoky. This was a rich and immersive learning experience with three renowned potters as my tutors.

Career

Going forward, creating continued to nourish my soul alongside a 10 year career in people development and starting a family. But, it wasn’t too long before my creative appetite got the better of me and I decided to teach ceramics part-time at Clifton High School. After this, I decided to focus my attention on becoming a professional ceramic artist in 2013.  I remember when I touched clay for the first time in a few years – it was like I had come home again.

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Westonbirt Arboretum Inspiration for Sonya Ceramic Art creating unique jewellery which an be taken 'Back to its roots'
Acer Inspiration Sonya Ceramic Art
Sonya Wilkiins photographing leaves at Westonbirt Arboretum
Acer Leaf Pendant by Sonya Ceramic Art
Leaf Chop Stick Rests (in the making)
Fatia Leaf Trinket Dishes Edged with Platinum by Ceramics Inspired by Nature
Sonya Wilkins putting together a display of her unique ceramic jewellery
Full Moon Acer Pendant Pink
Handmade Ceramic Leaf Pendant by Sonya Ceramic Art
Fatsia Leaf Dish by Sonya Ceramic Art
Green Leaf Coaster by Sonya Ceramic Art
Westonbirt Arboretum Contrasting Colours

My Inspiration

Westonbirt Arboretum is one of my favourite places in the world. We used to walk our dogs there when I was a child and I remember being mesmerised by the skeleton leaves I’d find in the undergrowth near the base of trees. Today I continue to visit in all seasons, inspired by the most amazing colours and varieties of maple trees. Much of my Ceramics & Pottery Inspired by Nature is made using leaves which I have foraged at Westonbirt. A particular favourite being the ‘Full Moon Acer‘ which I use to produce striking and bold pendants.

My father also continues to inspire my work through his own passion for gardening and trees. For example, he plays an integral part in identifying many of the leaves I forage and collect.

Bespoke Products

People often ask me if I can make a specific pendant or dish using leaves from their own garden or a favourite tree. This is entirely possible, and something I love to do. Recently I made a commission for two friends who visited Canada in Autumn. They wanted matching maple leaf pendants made as a memento. Luckily, with my father’s help I was able to source a Canadian maple tree and use a leaf to produce the perfect pair of pendants.

Use Your Own Leaves

Other people have asked me to make unique pieces of Ceramics & Pottery Inspired By Nature. Specifically, using leaves from a tree or shrub they are leaving behind when they move house.  This is a lovely way of preserving its beauty for longevity.

There is nothing better than producing a piece of ceramic art as a commission. So if you are interested, please do get in contact and send me pictures of your lovely leaves! It’s easy to post me a leaf sandwiched between card so I can work directly from it.

  • Full Moon Maple Pendant by Sonya Ceramic Art
  • Fatsia Leaf Fruit Bowl edged with Platinum by Sonya Ceramic Art
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My Inspiration

Westonbirt Arboretum is one of my favourite places in the world. We used to walk our dogs there when I was a child and I remember being mesmerised by the skeleton leaves I’d find in the undergrowth near the base of trees. Today I continue to visit in all seasons, inspired by the most amazing colours and varieties of maple trees. Much of my Ceramics & Pottery Inspired by Nature is made using leaves which I have foraged at Westonbirt. A particular favourite being the ‘Full Moon Acer‘ which I use to produce striking pendants.

My father has also continued to inspire my work through his own passion for gardening and trees. For example, he also plays an integral part in identifying many of the leaves I forage and collect.

Bespoke Products

People often ask me if I can make a specific pendant or dish using leaves from their own garden or a favourite tree. This is entirely possible, and something I love to do. Recently I made a commission for two friends who visited Canada in Autumn. They wanted matching maple leaf pendants made as a memento. Luckily, with my father’s help I was able to source a Canadian maple tree and use a leaf to produce the perfect pair of pendants.

Use Your Own Leaves

Other people have asked me to make unique pieces of Ceramics & Pottery Inspired By Nature. Specifically, using leaves from a tree or shrub they are leaving behind when they move house.  This is a lovely way of preserving its beauty for longevity.

There is nothing better than producing a piece of ceramic art as a commission. So if you are interested, please do get in contact and send me pictures of your lovely leaves! it’s easy to post me a leaf sandwiched between card so I can work directly from it.

  • Full Moon Maple Pendant by Sonya Ceramic Art
  • Fatsia Leaf Fruit Bowl edged with Platinum by Sonya Ceramic Art
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Leaf Lantern & Tea Light Set by Sonya Ceramic Art, Ceramics & Pottery Inspired By Nature
Leaf Lantern made by Sonya Ceramic Art, Ceramics & Pottery Inspired By Nature
Sonoran Vase inspired by Sonoran Cactus by Sonya Ceramic Art, Ceramics & Pottery Inspired By Nature
Canadian Maple Leaf Pendants made by Sonya Ceramic Art, Ceramics & Pottery Inspired By Nature

Commissions

I have been fortunate enough to work with some lovely customers who value handmade products and enjoy the nature inspired pieces that I create. Here are some example of the diverse range of commissioned pieces I have made. Fortunately I enjoy both slab-building and throwing on the potter’s wheel. This means I can use these different techniques to make a wide range of ceramic art for both functional and decorative use. Please contact me if you have something in mind.

“After seeing the beautiful lily plate on the ‘Great British Menu’ on BBC2, I eventually found the artist responsible. I have today received two beautiful lily pad plates! They are even more beautiful than I thought! Easy to order, an amazing pair of plates, thank you!”

Jennifer Drought (Durham)

“Dear Sonya, just a little note, but a huge thank you for safely sending the birthday gift that my daughter, Rebecca ordered from you. The Pond Lily Leaf Dish is really beautiful, delicate and a joy. I will treasure it and have such pleasure using it”.

Valda Dawson (West Yorkshire)

“I was curious to know whether a Maple leaf pendant could be made as a gift for a friend with Canadian connections and made contact with Sonya. She was extremely helpful from the outset and keen to undertake the commission. We discussed all the details of the commission including the process, size, colour, style and length of chain. Sonya specified a delivery date and kept in touch throughout the process, even sending photos of the progress. I was absolutely thrilled with the results.  Sonya had made two pendants so that I had a choice, but I was so delighted with them I bought both! I cannot recommend Sonya and her work highly enough, and I know my friend will be delighted with her gift”.

Nicki Machin (Bristol)

“Dear Sonya, just to say how delighted we are with our commissioned cactus vase.  It fits really well with our home and I am going to enjoy deciding where its place should be – although I may move it around occasionally as the mood takes me!  I remember you saying that each piece you make is like a ‘baby’ leaving your care, so be assured that it has a good home here and will be really appreciated.  Thank you again for the emails showing the making process.”

Linda & Rod Hoare (Portishead)

“I first came across Sonya’s work when she was exhibiting at the Malvern flower show in the Craftsmen Guild Exhibition. Her leaf inspired ceramics are designs of absolute beauty. The colours, textures and shapes are stunningly beautiful in their reflection of nature, while also being functional. Sonya went on to make some bespoke leaf tea light holders as a commission for me which I absolutely love.”

Fiona Gilbert (Lechlade)

I do love the Hanging Planter I bought at Frampton Country Fair and it looks lovely in my kitchen, so I looked up your website to purchase another. You have some wonderful designs – your leaf plates are lovely and I am sure I will be purchasing from you again”. 

Caroline Gawler (Cinderford)