Our Friday Feature this week is the wonderful Hannah from Hannah Kinchin Ceramics. With a focus on natural and timeless design, Hannah uses her traditional kick-wheel (yes, that means she uses her foot to power her pottery-making!) to create the most elegant and thoughtful pieces from her studio in Cornwall.
Let’s get to know more about the creative woman behind the small business…
The urge to be creative has always come naturally to me, in fact, I remember during my childhood the challenge for a long time was finding the right outlet to express my creativity. When I finally discovered pottery, it kept me grounded.
I’ve always loved to create with my hands and clay is the ultimate blank canvas! It’s a beautiful material to work with, and when I’m throwing, I feel like I get transported.
My small business started the same way many small businesses do – from a hobby. 5 years ago I bought my potters wheel and rented a little corner of a studio, where I would spend most of my spare time throwing pots. It was a beautiful time of learning a new skill without the pressure to make it financially viable.
Once I felt confident in my work I began selling at in-person markets – and I’m so glad I did! I was amazed at the positive response I got from customers and I felt so encouraged. Not long after, I launched my Etsy shop and things have been steadily increasing ever since.
I still work a couple of days a week for another ceramic studio, but from Wednesday- Friday I am tucked away in my studio. I like to start my week with throwing, this way pieces have the most time to dry. Thursdays are normally spent trimming everything I’ve thrown and for the time in between, I am completing the endless amount of studio tasks that keep production flowing. Such as loading/ unloading my kiln, glazing, waxing bottoms, wedging clay and many more. On Fridays I love to end my week in the corner of a favourite cafe, completing the admin tasks that have built up that week.
I’d say I’ve always been fairly determined. Once I have a goal in mind, I’m pretty good at just ‘going for it’. I love to have a little project in my life, something I can dedicate my energy and focus to. Right now, my ‘project’ is this business, I’ve got a lot of drive for it and I’m exited to see where it will take me.
There are so many steps to creating ceramics and something can go wrong at every stage. I’ve definitely had my fair share of seconds and there’ll be many more to come – it’s just a fact of the pottery world! Although, I think more and more people are understanding the work that goes into handmade pottery.
I sort of see this whole business as my creative project. From creating my brand and logo, to building a product range, to researching and applying to exhibit at the right markets – it’s all felt like one outlet for my creative brain.
What a lovely question! At the moment my wish is to see this business continue to grow steadily. I have a busy Christmas season ahead so fingers cross I can make enough stock! In my personal life though, my husband and I have recently bought a van that we’d love to convert into a camper van for exploring Cornwall – is it bad to wish that the project is already completed!?
So many things! I love simplicity, and will always be drawn to more minimal things which I think really shows in my work. I’m also endlessly inspired by the outdoors. I often forget how healing a walk in nature can be, and I can defiantly say moving to Cornwall was one of the best decisions I ever made. Finally, it’s very important to me that my home is a sanctuary. My top tip would be to fill your homes with art and objects that bring you joy.
I couldn’t imagine not doing something with my hands. I always like the idea of wood carpentry – perhaps a boat builder!
Can you picture a more idyllic and wholesome business? Working with your hands, using natural materials and traditional techniques, and all from a studio (on a farm!) in Cornwall. Hannah’s joy in creating pieces that are beautifully understated and timeless but so practical, really shines through in her work. It’s very heartwarming.
To see more of Hannah’s pottery, head to her Esty store: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HanahKinchinCeramics – and for gorgeous and comforting behind-the-scenes content, make sure you check out her Instagram: @hannah.kinchin
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