Jedda Purchase from Jedda Clay
Northern Rivers-based Jedda Purchase turned her passion for ceramics into a career—Jedda Clay is a celebration of her connection and admiration for Mother Earth.
Photography: Cedar Purchase
Jedda Purchase, from Jedda Clay, in her Byron Bay studio with her dog, Pudzy!
Jedda Clay’s popular PJ Mugs and Soap Dishes, stacked and waiting out their drying process.
‘I love making things with my hands. It’s such an amazing feeling to know that you can create so much with just two hands.’
‘Since moving here [to the Northern Rivers] over a year ago, I’ve found a lot of inspiration and motivation to work harder. My business has really taken off, and I feel like I’ve hit my stride.’
‘I moved into my new studio a little over two months ago, I never imagined I’d have such a beautiful space to call my own,’ says Jedda Purchase.
When Jedda Purchase first discovered clay, everything changed. Not too long later, she knew it was her true calling and she needed to turn her passion for ceramics into a career.
It’s a story we’ve heard from many creatives, many times over. Whilst the pandemic was incredibly challenging, it also presented a positive. More time. Time to finally dedicate to that hobby, a passion project, or perhaps to start something completely new.
‘Through Covid-19 my creative passion turned into a business. I quickly found this was exactly where I wanted to be in my current life journey. Clay unleashed creativity in me I didn't know was there. It’s my happy place,’ shares Jedda.
Straight out of school, Jedda started her own business in eyelash extensions and makeup artistry, and after a few successful years, she felt the need to ‘step into something more creative.’
‘When I discovered clay, everything changed. I began practicing ceramics every day after work, completely falling in love with the medium,’ Jedda says. At just 20 years old, Jedda moved to the Sunshine Coast, leaving her beauty business behind to start her journey as a ceramic artist. It was there that she secured her first stockist, who she still works with today. ‘That moment made me realise I could turn my passion for ceramics into a career,’ she says.
Since moving to Byron Bay just over a year ago, Jedda has really hit her stride—the area and its strong community of creatives has given her endless inspiration and motivation. ‘Being around so many creative people and a community that truly supports local artists is amazing. I’ve never felt happier,’ says Jedda.
Jedda creates her ceramic pieces partly using the wheel and mostly using the coiling technique, a process which gives her the freedom to explore all kinds of interesting shapes. ‘There are endless possibilities with coiling,' she explains. ‘I love making things with my hands. It’s such an amazing feeling to know that you can create so much with just two hands.’
Recently moving into a bright and beautiful corner studio in Byron, Jedda also holds clay classes in the new space. ‘I always knew I wanted to start teaching again when I moved here, but I wanted to wait until I had a nice enough studio to hold them—I love sharing new skills and introducing people to a new creative medium. Holding my weekly classes is such a great way to meet new people in the community, share stories, laugh, enjoy some wine, and play with clay—it's a perfect night.’
Coming up for the artist is an opening party in the new space, something she’s been brainstorming for the past couple of months. ‘I want it to feel more like an exhibition or installation rather than just a "come check out my space" kind of event,’ she shares. She’s also looking forward to more free time in the new year to focus on her practice, as well as spending time in her own company, putting on music, and connecting with the earth every day. ‘It’s such a joy to expand my creativity through making, all without distractions.’
For more information about Jedda’s work, visit her website or follow Jedda Clay on Instagram.
‘I love sharing new skills and introducing people to a new creative medium. Holding my weekly Clay Classes is such a great way to meet new people in the community, share stories, laugh, enjoy some wine, and play with clay—it's a perfect night!’
“I really enjoy working on my own and for myself—I love spending time in my own company, putting on my music, and connecting with the earth every day.”
‘I mostly use the coiling technique, which lets me explore all kinds of interesting shapes. There are endless possibilities with coiling.’
‘Being around so many creative people and a community that truly supports local artists is amazing. I’ve never felt happier.’