Elizabeth Lewis started making ceramics in 2020. Fast forward three years, and the artist often works six days a week across her own practice in addition to roles at Studio Enti and Voluptuary Ceramics. ‘I love the contrast between slip casting functional ware where everything has to be quite particular to work, to hand building in my own studio where there’s often a lot less planning,’ says Elizabeth.

As of 2022, Elizabeth’s individual practice is based in Kil.n.it— a not-for-profit association of experimental ceramic artists in Glebe, Sydney. 

Elizabeth’s pieces attempt to ‘recreate the feeling of curiosity.’ Inspirations in her work include creatives known for surrealism and fantasy—such Danish painter Hieronymus Bosch, British sculptor Brian Catling, and filmmaker Terry Gilliam—through to the colour palettes of Saturday morning cartoons.

When creating her ceramics, Elizabeth employs coiling techniques, a wooden thumb tool, and a range of soft brushes for colouring. Showcased throughout her work are a series of seams, bobbles, and bends that recombine in new ways across different silhouettes. 

Each piece takes about three weeks to make from start to finish, with plenty of half finished pieces and reflection along the way. ‘I try not to rush to get something in the kiln so I can be sure I like it first… For every two pieces that make it, there’s one that doesn’t’ says Elizabeth. 

‘I think this kind of curation is really important because ceramics are so permanent. I don’t want to make something permanent that isn’t worth keeping.’ 

You can see Elizabeth’s work in her next group show; Out Of State (April 14 – 29 at Compendium Art Gallery).