Tracy Dixon
Brand feature: TRACY DIXON CERAMICS
December 10, 2018
“Classic, simple shapes are timeless and I want each piece I make to be cherished for years to come.”
We started carrying Tracy Dixon’s ceramics this past summer as we were drawn to her simple, clean and unique work. Styled together with different sizes and shapes or simply resting alone, each piece is special and soothing. Evoking a sense calm, Tracy’s work focuses functional and beautiful pieces with a neutral palette and natural shapes. We have mainly carried her small vases and styled with a single piece of greenery or flower.
Tracy started her career in Ceramics working at Illyria Pottery in Oxford. She knew instantly that working with clay was something she wanted to do and now makes from her garden studio in Wiltshire. Tracy's aim is to create a small collection of ceramics that she hopes people will enjoy using as much as she has enjoyed making.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your work?
I’m actually quite new to ceramics. My first experience of working with clay was in 2017 at Illyria Pottery in Oxford, UK. I was immediately inspired and decided early on that this was something I wanted to do as more than just a hobby. I almost can’t believe that I’m now working professionally in my own garden studio at home. I live in Wiltshire in the UK with my husband, daughter and our cockerpoo, Buddy.
The majority of my work is wheel-thrown using porcelain and stoneware with a focus on contemporary living. I’ve also just started making my own glaze, which is really exciting.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Simple lines and neutral colours are what I’m most drawn to. I’ve worked as a photographer before now and I bring a lot of what I learned to my work in ceramics, for example the way the light falls on an object and the shadow it casts. I try to work from the heart rather than be too influenced by design trends. Classic, simple shapes are timeless and I want each piece I make to be cherished for years to come. Most importantly I want my work to sit easily in its interior, accenting rather than dominating it.
How would you describe your aesthetic in three words
Contemporary, simple, quiet.
Can you share a bit about your design process with us?
New designs always start as a rough sketch on paper. At this stage I have a pretty good idea of the shape and function I want to create; and whether it’s going to be textured, smooth, matt or glossy. Once I start in clay I then work on the more subtle things; like how the piece feels in the hand and getting the proportions just right. The firing is also a great part of the process when the colour and texture of the design come to life.
Pottery design is a very organic process. It’s pretty normal to make changes along the way. I’ll usually refine things over a few trial attempts until I’m happy I can achieve the result I want.
Do you have a favorite piece you’ve worked on recently?
The porcelain artwork is definitely my favourite piece at the moment. It’s a wonderful example of how incredible the medium is. I’m also really pleased with the tableware I’m starting to make and plan to launch a collection next year. It’s a really exciting time for me in the studio as I’m experimenting with lots of new ideas.
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