Get ready to discover Ochre Ceramics. The raw and earthy handmade pieces that let the beauty of natural clay shine through.
We recently sat down with ceramic artist, Lauren Siemonsma, to chat about mindful making and the process behind her handmade ceramic works. From plates and bowls to teapots and lamps, these are creations that evoke that sentimental feeling.
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With an eye for design and decor, Lauren turned her hobby into a beautiful business.
“I’m originally from Melbourne, but found I was needing a slower pace in life so moved to northern New South Wales,” Lauren tells us.
“I started my career in Interior Design but it didn’t take long to realise I didn’t love having a brief or budget restrictions put on my creativity! Also, I much preferred working with my hands rather than at a computer.
“I picked up clay as a hobby to give me that creative outlet when I wasn’t getting it from my work.
To be honest, my love of ceramics happened quite organically. What was a hobby became a love affair.
The pieces Lauren creates are raw, earthy and utterly beautiful.
“I am deeply inspired by the materiality,” Lauren explains. “I am drawn to a really earthy clay body. It has this beautiful toasty colour and texture from the grit inside the clay. From here, I love glazes that react and showcase the clay in all its earthy beauty.
I suppose I am drawn to raw beauty. I don’t like things too polished… just like nature itself.
“What I’ve learnt over the years is that I can’t force it. I can’t sit in the studio and go, “Ok, today I’m going to design a lamp!” I just have to let it come to me and allow myself to just lean in.”
When Lauren decided ceramics were for her, she dove in head first.
“I’m an all or nothing kind of person!” she smiles. “So when I decided I wanted to give Ochre Ceramics a real go, I went in full steam ahead and gave myself 6 months.
“If I couldn’t pay the rent and eat with the money I made off it in that time, I would know I gave it a good go, but that it wasn’t meant to be. I guess you could say it was meant to be!”
Something Lauren is incredibly passionate about is mindful making.
“The environment is at the core of everything I do. From the way I craft Ochre’s pieces, to how I run its pottery events, thinking of the environment and the impact we’re having is key,” Lauren says passionately.
“Because of this, I have partnered with One Tree Planted. Trees help clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, and absorb harmful carbon from the atmosphere.
“They’re vital to our survival. So each and every sale I make goes towards planting new trees. This is what I mean by mindful making.”
Ochre Ceramics is all about creating pieces that give that sentimental feeling.
“I believe we hold onto our most treasured possessions for life. They become the totems for our memories and milestones. It is my hope that Ochre’s pieces nurture those same sentimental feelings,” smiles Lauren.
“My ethos has always been to craft beautiful pieces considerately and ethically, respecting our beautiful planet. So that when I hand the pieces over to you, the love story has already started.”
Big thank you to Lauren for sharing her true love and passion for her raw and earthy handmade pieces. To discover what’s new at Ochre Ceramics, head to their website or check out their Instagram page. You will also find information about her new jewellery collection and ceramics workshops.
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