Esme Fisher is a ceramicist working from The Mudworks ceramics studio and her garden studio in St Leonards-On-Sea.

In 2024 Esme’s collaboration with ethical homeware brand Collective Stories championed her sustainable practice and continued her exploration of organic forms for a limited edition collection of handmade homeware pieces.

Her work was selected for the HastingsOpen2022 at Hastings Museum & Art Gallery, and Towner Gallery Ceramics Fair 2023.

Previously working with ATownExploresABook festival as an arts facilitator and community project coordinator, focused on making the arts accessible and engaging, she continues to run and facilitate ceramics workshops.

“Inspired by ancient icons and vessels, my work echos the forms of Neolithic fertility statues with a referential blend of contemporary motif. I find joy in parody, blending ancient pottery with 20th century design — creating a dialog between the two of a contemporary narrative of craft. 

my approach to ceramics highlights the material, working with textured and heavily grogged clay, reminiscent of architectural materials and bricks. Avoiding studio glazes instead using nerikomi, inlay and the natural clay body, with raw, textured and burnished finishes; echoing the INTEGRATION of clay to object. 

Working with a VOCABULARY OF DISTINCT SILHOUETTED SHAPES, I like to imagine my pieces as two-dimensional cut-outs and translate them into sculptural pieces, making forms which explore negative space. I approach my work with an understanding that no reference is sacred, seeking to make pieces that invite play and curiosity.”