Hodge Pots – The Artists’ Journal

The colourful world of

Nikki Seymour

If you like ceramics, pattern and colour then you’ll love the work of our newest artist. Hodge Pots is the pottery practice of fashion stylist Nikki Seymour.  Making distinctive, wobbly-shaped objects with stripes and squiggly lines from her ceramics studio, she has created a unique style that is all her own. We caught up to hear how it began, the crossover between fashion and ceramics and why travel has such a big influence on her work.

How did you discover ceramics?

My journey with ceramics started unexpectedly during the pandemic. While on furlough, I needed a creative outlet and bought some clay, initially making pieces as gifts for friends and family. What started as a personal project quickly became something bigger – I fell in love with the process, and before I knew it, people were asking to buy my work. That’s when I realised I’d found something really special.

Could you tell us about the studio and where you make Hodge Pots ceramics?

I make my ceramics at Turning Earth pottery studio in North London, which is a fantastic creative space with a community of other makers. It’s a great environment for experimenting with different forms and techniques and I feel incredibly lucky to have access to such a welcoming space to create Hodge Pots ceramics.

You have what many people would describe as a dream career – fashion stylist and potter. Do the two cross over much?

While they might seem quite different, there’s actually a lot of overlap. Both require an eye for detail, an appreciation of design and a sense of aesthetics. I find that working in fashion helps me approach ceramics with a more refined perspective on form and colour, while pottery gives me a grounding, tactile outlet that complements my work in styling.

Photography and travel are big inspirations for your work. Could you tell us more about these influences?

Definitely! Photography allows me to see the world in snapshots, focusing on the beauty of textures, patterns and fleeting moments, which I try to incorporate into my ceramics. Travel, on the other hand, exposes me to different cultures, landscapes and traditional craftsmanship, all of which influence the way I approach my pottery, from glazing techniques to the shapes I create.

What’s the best piece of advice someone’s given you?

The best advice I’ve ever received was to “trust the process.” It’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t go as planned, whether it’s in ceramics or life, but trusting the process, embracing the ups and downs and knowing that mistakes are part of growth has been incredibly valuable for me.

Most cherished possession at home?

My most cherished possession at home is a jug that my grandfather made. He was a pottery teacher, and this piece is so meaningful to me. It’s a reminder of him, his craft and the legacy of creativity that runs through my family. It’s something I treasure deeply.

Last exhibition or show you visited?

The last exhibition I visited was the Taylor Wessing Portrait Photography Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London.  It was an incredible experience, showcasing some of the most striking and thought-provoking portrait photography. The range of emotions and stories captured in each image was truly inspiring.

Photography by Jess Hand

Hodge Pots Ceramics