Susie Oates

Art disciplines: Ceramics, Jewellery, Sculpture, Traditional crafts

Discover bespoke, uplifting stoneware carrying mantra for wellbeing made in meditation at my potter’s wheel.

Mind, body, spirit and soul capturing earth, fire, water and the air we breathe in a mindfully grounded, connected and centred collection of work explores the power of engaging with creativity as a way of life.

My beautiful process-driven and beautifully useful, flow-state, work is both a metaphor of, and imbibed with, affirmations of ‘hope’. The focus, form, function and colour of each piece is rooted in a purposeful message.

As the ancient philosophy of Lao Tzu says, ‘it is the space inside the vessel which holds whatever you choose’.

As well as being inspired by it, these stoneware products represent holding ‘hope’ or the ‘hope of it’ as key to wellbeing, resilience and humility.

Remaining humble in the finely tuned regulatory practice-based ritual of thrown pottery, I find and share alignment with the shifting shapes of clay. Amongst many other aspects, my pottery is about recycling, re-using, re-purposing, appreciating ‘perfectness’ in imperfection and mindfully cherishing the moment.

Exploring and experimenting generates creativity and this philosophical approach evolved further for me during lockdown. In response to cancelled pottery classes I found solace in the restoration of an old kick-wheel.

As an optimist, passionate about growth mindset, trusting in future possibilities and opportunities sits core to my naturally positive, professional and intuitive teaching which introduces you to pottery. Find open courses, classes and workshops I lead to nurture skills, techniques, knowledge and understanding of the craft.

My favourite flower and logo for Pots of Hope, the sunflower, illustrates turning to the sun and allowing shadows to fall.

Connect with me ‘Susie, Pots of Hope’ exhibiting together with the fabulous group of ‘Artists at Shaw House’ for Open Studios 2026.

You will also find me and my ‘pots of hope’ participating in our wonderful local ‘September Ceramics’ exhibition and at local craft fairs, and sales.

For information on classes and workshops, courses or team building with clay, or any other questions please email me at susie@potsofhope.co.uk and check for booking links on www.potsofhope.co.uk Many workshops are bookable directly through www.thebasegreenham or www.cityartsnewbury

Contact the artist

W: https://potsofhope.co.uk
T: 07932 185295
E: susie@potsofhope.co.uk