Meet Emma Swales
The calm and creative art of working with clay
Emma Swales Ceramics
I’m Emma Swales, a ceramic artist based in Lutterworth, Leicestershire. My work celebrates the beauty of handmade, functional art. After spending over two decades in the creative events and marketing world, I discovered pottery through a chance introduction by my daughter—and it quickly became a passion that combines mindfulness, creativity, and the joy of working with my hands.
Finding my style
Inspired by Nature, Made by Hand
Growing up in Cumbria, surrounded by the landscapes of the Lake District, I developed a deep connection to nature. That connection shines through in my ceramics. Every piece I create is handcrafted with care, and the textures, glazes, and subtle variations make each one unique. I work from my garden studio—affectionately called the “play house”—where I experiment with throwing, handbuilding, and surface decoration techniques, bringing my imagination to life in white and grey stoneware clay. Nature, memories, and the world around me inspire my work. I love working with earthy tones, expressive glazes, and tactile textures, creating ceramics that are both functional and beautiful. Every bowl, mug, or decorative piece is crafted with care, and the slight variations in each are a celebration of the handmade process.
A Studio of Creativity and Calm
My garden studio is more than just a workspace—it’s my creative sanctuary. Here, I explore new ideas, experiment with forms, and enjoy the meditative rhythm of clay. I love that every piece has its own personality and charm, reflecting the time, care, and creativity poured into it. The journey I am on is definitely a long one, filled with surprises and new directions. Who knows where it will take me. But it’s a journey that really excites me.
Join me on this journey
If you’d like to play with clay and join a group of like-minded people who learn hand-building techniques and throwing on the potter’s wheel, then pop over to The Shire Workshops in Wilbarston. The studio is run by my very good friends and pottery wizards, Bob & Joe Stafford. We provide classes throughout the week, and I teach there on Tuesday afternoons and evenings, sharing my skills and passion for clay with others.
Full details on the website including pricing and how to book.
Buying pottery
I invite you to explore my creations through my online shop, where you’ll find my latest collections. I also love meeting people in person at artisan fairs and pottery events throughout the year. You can also find my collections at shops and galleries.
If you see something that is not available, drop me a message to see if I have any more or if I plan to make more of the item(s) you like.
Memberships
I am a member of the following organisations:
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