Tended
Image: Tended Photographer Sophie Brockwell
Welcoming Ella from Tended in our latest TGD Friends Q+A!
hello! welcome to the TGD friends series! can you tell us what it is you create?
I focus my practice on creating pieces of functional art ceramics. My bits are wonky and imperfect, each unique in their own right but every piece is created with a purpose.
share with us a bit about your journey and how you got started.
Well I grew up in the Southern Highlands, often dipping in and out of my close family friends studio at Berrima Village Pottery. The process of creating with clay was introduced to me at a very young age. I started out painting and drawing as my creative outlet when I found myself at a bit of a cross road, and creating became a therapy for me and helped me move through my funky brain with care. It wasn’t long after this when I rediscovered my love for clay and sculpting with my hands. There really is no better feeling of that cold wet dough between your hands.
Image: Tended. Photographer Sophie Brockwell
how would you describe your creative style?
I draw all my inspiration from the natural dimples and imperfections from nature. I think my creative style plays with the concept of simplicity in a quirky form.
Image: Tended. Photographer Sophie Brockwell.
what’s one of your favourite moments in your creative career so far?
This is a hard one. My favourite moment is when my green and white pieces stopped coming out of the kiln dripping in pink! But other than that, probably when I got my first international wholesaler.
who are the designers/creatives inspiring you right now?
Gaudi’s work and Gregorio’s tables are constantly inspiring me. However, on a more local level, I am completely obsessed with Sofia Maria’s jewellery design and her deep appreciation of organic lines, natural textures and imperfect form - very aligned.
describe to us your perfect day.
Starts with a sunrise swim, filled with clay, music and creations. Ends with little clay creatures popping out the other end of the kiln process, perfectly imperfect.
Thank you so much for joining us!
Check out Ella’s stunning collection of handmade ceramics here.
All images courtesy of Tended. Photographer Sophie Brockwell