Lisa Seaurchin, a ceramic artist based in Bristol, United Kingdom, draws her inspiration from the complex forms found in nature to create stunning abstract porcelain sculptures. Her work reflects the beauty of coral reefs, crustacean shells, flowers, leaves, feathers, and fungi, embracing the raw textures and forms of these elements. Seaurchin’s approach is to work with the clay rather than against it, allowing the natural texture, tool marks, and edges to remain, giving each piece a unique character.
She experiments with matt stoneware glazes and silicon carbide to add distinctive effects like rust spotting and sparkly pewter finishes. Seaurchin’s dedication to her craft is evident in the intricate details and the tactile quality of her sculptures, which can be further explored through her online presence.
The main body of my work, the sculptures and sculptural jewelry, are primarily influenced by the clay itself. I do not fight with the clay to make neat edges and smooth, even surfaces, preferring instead to leave the tool marks, the raw edges and the natural texture of the clay. The same applies to the glazes I use…I would like to experiment further, but so far I have found that I am most comfortable with matt stoneware glazes, that show different colours according to their thickness. I also have a penchant for silicon carbide, which when mixed with a glaze causes bubbling and blistering, and also iron oxide spangles…..a few thrown on causes lovely rust spotting, but add them on a little heavier, and the effect is a wonderful sparkly pewter. When possible, I also take part in Raku firings. I also take reference form sea creatures, such as coral, jelly fish and of course, sea urchins. I love working with textures and a lot of my work is pierced. I do not smooth the piercing, but instead choose to keep the barnacle effect as the clay splits as the tool moves through it.
Lisa Seaurchin