Porcelain is apparently one of the hardest clays to craft. But as ceramicist Tom Kemp tells us, he decided to attempt it as a novice after taking courses at London’s Turning Earth, and has never looked back.
Originating in China some 2,000 years ago, porcelain is regarded as the most prestigious forms of pottery, no doubt in part to the demanding production process. Self-taught ceramic artist Tom Kemp chose to work with it since he started taking weekend courses six years ago, and has been mesmerised ever since.
Rising to the challenge of working with such a difficult ceramic medium, Kemp, who has garnered over 100,000 Instagram followers, has not only mastered the art of throwing porcelain and various ceramic techniques—including glazing and free hand painting—but also created his very own style of working with the delicate clay.
Originally intrigued by calligraphy and the tradition of Roman sign writing—used to carve the monumental lettering on ancient Roman buildings—Kemp uses a singular brush mark to transform his exquisite minimal vases and vessels into one-off abstract forms.
Want to try your hand at ceramics? Take up a course at Turning Earth‘s east London centre.
Why not watch another video in our ceramics series where we talk to baker turned ceramicist Lily Pearmain.
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meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
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