Mia Kingsley

Mia Kingsley is an emerging ceramicist. She creates hand-pinched pottery featuring textures and colours that feel connected to nature. Perhaps is this inspiration for the environment and nature which resonates with Renli. We took a short walk to her studio, where she showed us her current work and we admired the different forms, shapes and endless possibilities that clay gives her.

Hi Mia, for those who don't know you. Could you tell us about your background and how did you become an artist?

I live and work in London, where I was born and grew up. I am fortunate to have had an artistic upbringing. Both my mother and father encouraged me from a young age to engage in creative activities. We explored many mediums from painting and illustration to collage and sculpture making. And in my adolescent years I always had a camera at hand.

However, on reflection it is only in the last 3 years that I have finally found my most suited material, I now work with clay. On a personal level it has been a wonderful progression, as I believe only since exploring ceramics, I have really been able to push my abilities creatively. And for the first time ever. I have felt grounded enough in my practice to call myself an artist.

What inspires you? Where do you take influence from?

I am inspired by the textures of natural forms such as coral, shell and moss. I find my work often reflects the patterns and colours found in Earth's specimens. The ocean will always be one of my greatest influences, visually and energetically. I also gain a great deal of inspiration from my close ones, watching the people I love grow and progress within their own fields is truly admirable. That will always be a source of motivation. As for artists, I admire Noguchi & Lucie Rie.

Which ones would you say are your core values as an artist?

A core value for me is to create at my own pace.

What is your greatest achievement in your professional career so far?

My greatest achievement so far has been being asked to teach at the centre where I took my first lessons in ceramics. To achieve a full circle in this way has been a much-needed affirmation that I am doing the right thing.

What's next? Do you have any goals or aspirations for the future?

My aspiration for the future is to have a solo show. I would love to see a selection of my pieces presented and ready to be touched. I think it is time to venture into the tactile and out of the screen

For those wanting to have a closer look at your work,
do you have any exhibitions coming up or future events?

I have a piece exhibiting at The Fitzrovia Gallery selected by The Hampstead Art Society. Which is running until July the 10th. There is a huge amount of artwork featured so it is definitely worth a visit if you are in town this weekend.

Mia Kingsley x Renli Su

Artist: Mia Kingsley

Stylist: Vanesa Aller

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