Russell Kingston

Russell has always been a maker. He studied art through college before enrolling – almost on a whim – on a Foundation Degree in Ceramics. Alongside his creative path, he has had a varied working life: he is a qualified carpenter and has worked as a firefighter, stonemason, picture framer, florist and pizza chef, with a number of smaller jobs in between. For the past ten years he has worked as a full-time potter, leaving the retained fire service around four years ago.

Although his degree gave him a grounding in clay, Russell had never worked with earthenware before setting up his own practice. He taught himself slipware techniques through books and experimentation, gradually developing his own approach to the tradition.

Comfortable working in many materials – clay, wood and metal among them – Russell is particularly drawn to clay for its versatility. It allows him to create functional objects that can be used with food and in cooking, while also giving him the freedom to work creatively and independently.

His work is inspired by food, historic English slipware such as Fremington pots and Staffordshire dishes, as well as the work of many contemporary potters. Russell makes primarily functional ware, valuing the discipline and rhythm that repetition brings. Working within the traditions of slipware and country pottery, he aims to create contemporary pieces that remain firmly anchored in the past.

His slip decoration is fluid and expressive – a celebration of clay in its liquid form.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Profile photo by Matt Glover.