Jess Sellinger
With their fluttering and textile-like quality, Jess Sellinger’s ceramics are full of enveloping folds. Evocative of life, they are transient, fragile at heart, imperfect yet deliciously smooth.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson I Photography: Jess Sellinger, Mario Sellinger, Brock Beazley and Jessica Wyld.
Winged Vase by Jess Sellinger. Photo: Jess Sellinger
‘I love that even though each piece is unique, they all share a soft cohesive language,’ says Jess Sellinger. Main Hero Photo & Above: Mario Sellinger
‘Inspiration comes quite naturally to me. I bring that down to being a creative my whole life and understanding the design process.’ Photo: Jess Sellinger
Wave Vase with Gold Lustre by Jess Sellinger. Photo: Jess Sellinger
Layered Wave Vase by Jess Sellinger. Photo: Jess Sellinger
With a background in interior design, designing and creating comes naturally to the ceramist who crafts her designs from clay to represent self. Over the last three years, Jess Sellinger’s style has evolved, shifting and changing as she discovers her medium through endless hours of making. ‘I’ve been through a lot of styles over the past three years, which is natural. However, only recently have I found one that’s unique to me,’ she says.
The Brisbane-based ceramicist shares she didn’t touch clay until 2019, taking casual throwing classes at the local ceramic studio. But after covid hit, Jess furthered her craft through lockdowns, exploring hand building, watching YouTube, and experimenting with ‘many weird and whacky creations’ built on her coffee table.
Jess reveals that inspiration comes naturally; her everyday life is creative and filled with design. She adds, ‘the majority of my pieces are extensions of previous pieces I’ve made or arise through subtle and unintentional mistakes while making.’ But fundamentally, the works are an extension of self; Jess’ identity comes to the forefront of her practice, which she exposes through the honesty and transparency of her (cheeky) Instagram posts.
‘I want to be a clear representation of the work I’m producing,’ Jess muses. ‘Not only does that create transparency, but it keeps me grounded and reminds people that there is a normal human behind the work. I love creating both minimal and bold pieces… a reflection of my personal style outside of ceramics. Whether that’s in what I wear, how I’m feeling on the day to day or how I style my home.’
Working from her home studio under the house, each day follows a routine, starting early, but a strict switch off at 4/5pm. ‘I find it easy having that separation of upstairs and downstairs to be able to switch off when the workday is done,’ Jess adds.
Wave Wall Structure by Jess Sellinger. Photo: Jess Sellinger
‘I hand build all my pieces. It’s slower than throwing, however, I find it more meditative and less messy!’ Photo: Mario Sellinger
“There’s something so transparent about embracing mistakes and transforming them into something intentional.”
White Wave Bowl by Jess Sellinger. Photo: Brock Beazley
‘I want people to know the person behind the artwork. I want people to know my humour, my taste, what music I’m listening to, what I’m having for lunch!’ Photo: Jess Sellinger
Wave Wall Structure by Jess Sellinger. Photo: Jess Sellinger
‘At the start, I made so many mistakes, in both making and the business side of things. However, as each year goes by, there are less mistakes and less challenges. I don’t see challenges as downfalls. They’re an opportunity to grow, learn, pivot, and adjust; a crucial skill to have in both the business and in life.’ Pictured: Florals by Anfisa. Photo: Jessica Wyld
Recently, the ceramicist is exploring a juicy and vivid blue hue, expanding on her neutral palette, and developing a distinct oeuvre that is decidedly all hers. ‘I wanted to add a staple bright colour into the palette, which would introduce a completely new language to the pieces,’ she says. ‘I feel the cobalt evokes that perfectly.’
Jess works with local interior studios and businesses, providing her with a steady stream of projects, but she’ll also be curating her first exhibition, COOL SHI*T in May, with Brisbane Art Design (BAD) — showcasing a collection of new works separate from her everyday production.
Her evocative designs are stocked with businesses like SSENSE in Canada, HypeBeast in Hong Kong, Modern Times in Melbourne, Assembly Label, and soon-to-be Jardan and Tappan Gallery in LA. But she shares her favourite moment was the day she quit her casual job. ‘A very monumental moment for me, that Jess three years ago would never have believed.’
She goes on to share, ‘your art will always evolve, just like you. Every day we soak up information and inspiration that form the building blocks and bones for ideas. Accept changes and embrace the new, because these are what shape your art. F*ck being inspired by clouds or nature. Be inspired by how you feel, who you want to be, what you want to represent.’