Hand-crafting colour with ceramicist, Shenyue Ding
In a time of mass-produced ‘Ikea-uniformity’, one artisan is championing craftsmanship and slow design through her pottery practice; the creative passion she turned into a business in 2019. Meet Shenyue Ding, the self-taught ceramicist behind Supper Ceramics, whose goal is to create hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind wares that will be treasured in your home, and the homes of your friends and loved ones. We visited Shenyue’s studio to learn about her intuitive connection to her craft and the science behind colour-making.
With a multi-faceted career in strategy consulting and entrepreneurship (there is no stopping you!), what drew you to becoming a ceramic artist?
I love trying new things and picking up different hobbies, including salsa, acting, padel tennis, and now pottery. It was super appealing to be able to do something tactile that didn't involve staring at a screen. I also love being able to take things from my imagination and turn them into real tangible 3D pieces.
You create the majority of your pieces through wheel throwing - an ancient artisanal technique and one that requires a degree of patience. What is it about this process that you enjoy?
Initially, I was drawn to how challenging it is. I had no idea what I was doing in the beginning, or any understanding of how certain movements can completely dislodge your clay and make it go flying off the wheel. But over time, I’ve learnt to control the movements of my fingers and feel when the clay is centred on the wheel. I love it because it has become so intuitive now that I often don't even need to look down.
Your ceramics have a very grounding, organic feel, both in shape and colour. Where do you source your inspiration?
In terms of my artistic style, I am very inspired by Asian pottery; Chinese and Japanese pottery in particular. I also take a lot of inspiration from the natural world surrounding me, especially when it comes to colour. My favourite colour palettes are muted and earthy tones, including grounding neutrals, dusty copper reds, leafy greens and deep sea blues.
How would you describe your approach to your practice?
I’m not someone who does a lot of planning. When it comes to shaping my ceramics, I love to see what shapes come up organically on the wheel when I’m throwing.
How do you feel your educational background in Natural Sciences has influenced your approach to pottery making?
It has shaped me into a very curious person. I love learning about the material science elements of pottery when it comes to glaze making. It has helped me understand some of those complex processes and formulas that not only make glazes aesthetically pleasing, but also safe to use.
How do you use colour within your work?
When you say colour to me, I immediately think of glazed chemistry. When I'm thinking about colour, I'm thinking about what elements make which colour. Copper creates reds and greens, whilst cobalt creates the most beautiful blues.
What is the role colour plays in your work?
Colour is really important in my work. I love very natural colours but at the same time I don’t want everything to be sterile and white, so I try to choose colours that have a tactility to them, colours that make you want to touch the pieces. For example, I use copper to create warm, red tones that have that textured look - they remind me of the earth and where the clay comes from.
I choose colours that have a tactility to them, colours that make you want to touch the pieces.
Shenyue Ding
How do you express yourself through your art?
I express myself through my art by creating unique flowing designs, textures and shapes. Each piece I make is unique and includes an element of joy and play. I love creating pieces that make people want to touch and hold them.
How does colour inspire you?
Colour affects my mood and my mood affects what colours I use. For example, on cold days in London I find myself reaching for something warm. These days call for copper to create those rich, burgundy-red tones. Beautiful rich clays like terracotta have such a grounding quality and instantly relax me. I love the way colour has the ability to warm me up when I need it.
How do you feel in the sweatshirt?
The terracotta tones of this sweatshirt remind me of my clays, of the copper I use to create those earthy red tones in my work. This sweatshirt has such a grounding quality to it, making me feel cosy, warm and comforted when I wear it.
Delve into the world of pottery via Shenyue’s Instagram, or check out her Supper Ceramics website.