Would you bet your life on a clay pot?

We chucked Fiona Beattie in the kiln and asked her some sure fire questions

First up, could you please tell us a little more about yourself? Have you always loved ceramics?

Oh gosh, the dreaded question WHO AM I? I’m a bit of a clown and my biggest fear is being rejected. I was never academic and struggled at school until I started down my creative journey and achieved amazing (and well earnt) grades! I’ve always been curious about ceramics and only took my first class in October 2020. My background is textiles and print design which is where my illustrative side comes from, and ceramics is just another vessel for me to plonk my brain into!

How does your personality shine through your creations?

I have a big personality! I think my nearest and dearest would say my work reflects my personality. It’s bright, it’s colourful and it makes you happy! I have an infectious energy about me and enjoy making people want to join in goofing about and take life a little less seriously! Outwardly for the most part I’m all sunshine and rainbows!

How has your ceramics business journey been?

I definitely didn’t intend on starting a business. I just discovered very early on at uni that the design industry wasn’t for me. I started selling prints at the back end of 2019 and only started ceramics after that. I’m completely addicted to making and creating. It’s like therapy to me and if you could make that your full time job I think everyone would in a heartbeat.

Why have ceramics - and chunky mugs - become a trending item?

This past year has been crazy for shifting trends. Homeware has skyrocketed with everyone spending so much time in homes they want to fill with things that they love and admire. And with so much extra time, people want to experiment and try new things. Plus, using something you’ve made with your own two hands is very rewarding!

A trend that’s seen us positively navigate lockdown is the act of putting smiley faces on objects and designs. Is this style within your work something you planned on incorporating?

I think there’s something comforting about having a little smiley friend with you, but I definitely didn’t plan on putting smiley faces on everything - it’s addictive! I have an obsession with googly eyes (they’re on everything I own!) which is probably what’s progressed me slapping smiley faces on things.

Businesses like arts, ceramics and fashion can often be overly-romanticised on Instagram. Is it as happy- go-lucky as it’s made out to be?

You need to be sure of yourself and be willing to put in the time and effort. You’ll doubt yourself more than you can imagine and that can be very upsetting, confusing and lonely. You’re putting yourself out there and it all boils down to whether people are willing to invest in a part of you and what you make. I can’t even tell you the amount of times I’ve almost thrown in the towel, but I love making and designing so much, it’s my dream to be able to do this full time and that’s what keeps me going!

How is owning a ceramics business in Manchester?

There’s more accessibility to kiln hire for me in Manchester in comparison to small towns. That being said, cities have less space to be able to grow. I see a lot of other ceramicists with their own kilns which is something I’ll never be able to get without a space for it, for example a garage or a big, expensive studio space! It’ll be a few years before I try to cross that bridge, and who knows, I may not even still be in Manchester by then!

Where do you look to find inspiration? And how do you cope with creative blackouts?

I get a lot of my inspiration from being in nature. The earth holds so much energy that you need to soak in as much as you can, when you can. Burnout is something we all know a little too well. Listen to your body when it’s telling you to take a break. You’re never going to produce your best work when you’re not feeling your best self.

Name 3 things that get you through work when you’re not feeling it!

Being surrounded by my supportive friends, lots of yummy food and dancing!

Could you talk us through the materials you use to create?

The good thing about ceramics is that there’s almost 0 waste. However, it’s never going to be the most sustainable as you’re making something new. The bodies of clay are sourced from the earth and once it’s in its final form after firing can last a lifetime. Underglazes are what makes it all colourful and the lead free glaze is what makes it shiny and food safe!

Could you explain your thoughts on the ‘side business’ hustle and the importance of staying mentally well whilst also being aspirational?

I do one shift a week in a bar in Manchester and spend four days running an after school club for primary school children alongside making and chilling out. I think there’s so much pressure that you need to constantly better yourself when in reality, as long as you’re happy that’s all that should matter. I find it hard to sit still so I know my busy lifestyle compliments me but it’s not for everyone and I don’t think people should be punished or rewarded for being either or! BE YOU!