ISLA MATHISON

Isla Mathison is a self-taught potter from Glasgow. She creates functional pottery through both hand building and wheel thrown techniques. The contrast between necessary material culture and good design is inspiring to her work. The slow process of hand building and carving pieces is a reminder of the connection between the maker and their pieces and is influential in the design process when creating necessary ‘everyday’ items.  
Her work is inspired by vintage tableware and features the classic colourway of white and blue. Using this colourway alongside organic forms is a nod to the history of functional ceramics, celebrating the joy that is found through the intentional design of everyday items. The personal and individualistic process of pottery makes the craft unique and is lost in the rush of mass production and capitalist over consumption. Her choice to create nostalgic and maximalist pottery is a reminder to herself of the greatness of loving design and items used every day.