It was, perhaps, somewhat predictable that beginning a career as a ceramic artist I would end up interviewing a potter, however, my special guest for this episode is more than a potter.
I’ve admired the work of world-renowned ceramic artist Steve Harrison for some time, whose handmade vessels have earned international acclaim for their quiet elegance and timeless character. His unique style of mostly mugs and teapots show embossed flowers, debossed sunflowers, handles delicately balanced on balls affixed to the side of mugs, kinks in delicately thin mug walls, and all finished in the ancient technique of salt glaze; a wonderfully tactile finish. Steve makes functional works of art.
Steve Harrison’s works are highly collectible; his beautiful, unique porcelain mugs sell for upwards of £1,000 - and that’s if you can find one.
So, what does a lifetime spent with clay teach us about patience, beauty, and the art of slowing down?
In this episode of pause & effect we discuss when Steve first knew that clay would become his life’s work, and some of his early influences; the pace of pottery and how working with clay has changed his relationship with time - and indeed how it has changed the way he lives. I find Steve’s work really beautiful but I wanted to know makes something beautiful to him, and we discuss the notion of perfection and the metaphors and similarities working with clay has for our living.
When I asked Steve to sum up his work in one word, he had the perfect answer!
We reference the challenges makers like Florian Gadsby face; the early influence of Wally Keeler and Jane Hamlyn, and the friendship and mentorship of Mick Casson.
Whether you’re a maker, a dreamer, or simply curious about how pressing pause on life can change the way we live and work, this conversation is an invitation to see beauty in the everyday, embrace patience, and rediscover the power of working with our hands.
Please do subscribe to the podcast and take a moment to review to help others discover it. If you don’t already receive my free weekly email with 3 thoughts, 1 quote, 1 question, and some content for the curious, head to to sign up.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
