2026 – Taking part in Potfest in the Pens – Melton Mowbray and Potfest in the City- Glasgow

Elaine creates Figurative Sculptures and Sculptural Vessels; celebrating the materiality of clay, localities and mythos, honouring the rich tradition of representing the human form with clay. Her larger figurative sculptures can be installed outside or displayed indoors. Smaller pieces can be displayed in on shelves, or even carried in pockets as totems.

For larger sculptures Elaine also creates accompanying plinths that record the words and experiences of individuals she interviews: these enhance the height and physical presence of each sculpture;

“Each piece combines the physicality of a location with the stories and the personalities that inspired me. I am happiest when the personalities of my pieces really resonate with someone, enough for them to feel a pull, a strong connection. I am passionate about clay, the way it can be shaped and moved in such an organic way, I love the challenge of creating personality, with form and textures you want to touch. Each piece has its own story; I am just helping it take form”.

Using hand-building techniques Elaine incorporates found and foraged materials to create surfaces, and incorporates it into her clay to capture and physical link with locations. She creates texture, and gestural layers of colour with oxides, slips and glaze to create evocative surfaces. Her pieces are often fired several times until she is happy with the final surface.

elainehumplebyceramicartist.uk