Clae Studio
Clae Studio is a ceramic design studio that showcases minimal design through expressive curves.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson | Photography: Peter Ryle
“I hope my work brings a sense of peace into a space, allowing people to reflect on the simple things in life that make them happy,” shares Britt Neech. Photo - Peter Ryle.
Orb Vessel, made to order by Britt Neech. Photo - Peter Ryle.
Britt Neech in her studio. Photo - James K Morris.
Clae Studio vessels, speckled bowls, ripple cups, and candle holders are entirely handmade, and take around 4-6 weeks to complete. "Slow but rewarding!" Britt Neech, the designer behind the ceramics, adds.
"Clay is a material that is naturally beautiful, and I allow it to shine in my finished pieces," the designer muses. The best way to achieve this, Britt shares, is to use process-based experimentation and let ideas flow organically. She also likes to embrace the small imperfections and uses neutral colours to highlight the honesty of the ceramics.
“I'm really enjoying the matte white glaze used in my current work as it leaves evidence of the brush strokes and drips that occur during the glazing process,” says Britt Neech. Photo - Peter Ryle.
“The tactile nature and endless possibilities of clay are what initially drew me to ceramics and the way I become completely focussed while making, almost like a form of meditation, is what keeps me coming back.”
The Heirloom Vessel and Column Vessel, both made to order by Britt Neech. Photo - Peter Ryle.
The Valley Vessel, made to order by Britt Neech. Photo - Peter Ryle.
Clay was not Britt's first choice, after starting a fashion and textile degree, but found the lack of scope to achieve her full creatively was holding her back. She ended up enrolling in a wheel throwing class at her local ceramics studio and found herself addicted to the tactile medium. Britt naturally found herself drawn to hand-building techniques. "Especially since I am drawn to sculptural shapes," she shares.
“Ceramics has become a huge part of my life, and I felt like my business name should reflect how a simple word and a simple medium can have such a profound impact.”
The designer works closely with heritage, time and memory to transform her objects into meaningful pieces that will transcend fashions, and feed into the 'slow' aesthetics being pushed forwards by contemporary artists and designers. Britt feeds this into teaching by passing on the knowledge of her skills, seeing what people make, and how much fun they have in the classes. "Sharing skills and empowering people to pursue a career in ceramics is something I'm really passionate about," she adds.
The Heirloom Vessel, (far left) is one of Britt Neech’s personal favourites from her collection. Photo - Peter Ryle.
“I hope that my work brings a sense of peace into a space, allowing people to reflect on the simple things in life that make them happy.”
As an ode to memory, the Heirloom Vessel, is one of Britt's favourite designs, in part because it mirrors the design language of one belonging to her parents. "I like the notion of having pieces at home that are treasured by many generations," Britt explains, "objects that are imbued with memory and meaning." And the collaborative nature of the vessel means each person who purchases, or styles her ceramic objects, become part of the artistic process, beginning their own traditions.
“I'm really enjoying the matte white glaze used in my current work as it leaves evidence of the brush strokes and drips that occur during the glazing process,” says Britt Neech of her process. Photo - Peter Ryle.