Laura Winstone is a Norfolk based, award winning artist and illustrator who has exhibited work in the V&A, The Sainsbury Centre and Fortnum & Mason as part of their Queens Jubilee celebrations and is a published illustrator for children's books. Laura’s talent has been recognised by the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, she is a Qest scholar, a scholarship programme recognising and championing excellence in Great British craftsmanship.
Laura's beautiful works on paper are made from paper collage, stained papers cut into delicate shapes inspired by Greek pottery, blue and white delftware and Staffordshire figurines. Her work celebrates world culture, beautiful craftsmanship, history and British museums.
As well as her illustrative work, Laura has trained as a ceramicist and her style has developed into a recognisable body of work. Working from her studio space in Norwich, she uses a slab building technique to create pieces ranging from tiles, to bowls to impressive tulipieres. Laura then uses cobalt blue powder to add intricate decoration in her inimitable illustrative style.
What sparks your initial ideas for a piece? Is it a feeling, an image, or something else entirely?
My initial ideas are a combination of many influences but generally speaking each piece is inspired by my natural surroundings, animals and the landscapes I see whilst out walking or biking. All of my pieces have a deeper underlying influence of 17th century Delft pottery, folk art and other key decorative arts contexts.
Do you have a specific routine or ritual to get into a creative head space?
I keep two sketchbooks, one for my designs and one for my inspiration. I tend to look at them and then go to my studio, choose a shape intuitively and go from there.
Do you have a plan for a piece before you start, or do you allow it to develop organically?
I often have a plan of the shape I would like to create. The illustration sometimes takes longer and I have to wait until the right design fits the shape or I see the right animal or plant for that piece. I have some pieces that have been waiting for the painting aspect for a few months.
What's the most challenging part of your artistic process?
When I was first experimenting with oxides and glazes they used to blur a lot, but I like that now. It's hard to replicate!
What are some tools or techniques you use that most people wouldn't expect?
I always need my sketchbook and some scissors. Otherwise basic ceramic tools are all I need.
Is there a hidden meaning or symbolism in your work that viewers might miss at first glance?
There are definitely hidden meanings in my ceramic work. Most of the vases are more detailed plates containing animals that have evoked feelings in my life at that moment. Like the forever home plate or the birds in the blossom tree was definitely a time in my life I felt very overwhelmed and had a busy mind.
Are there any particular artists who inspire your work?
I am inspired by many multidisciplinary artists and designers including Henry Matisse, William Morris, contemporary fashion designers, delftware pottery, Mexican folk art, historical american quilts and 1950's children's book illustrators to name a few!
Does your art ever surprise you with where it ends up taking you?
I am surprised how much I have loved making ceramics. I have tried many forms of art and only recently started ceramics seriously. Out of all of the art forms I have tried it is the most fulfilling and I feel like it is flowing out naturally. It has also given me the most satisfaction, especially getting to work with you and other galleries. Something I used to dream of! I am excited to see where it takes me.
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing?
I would be a teacher, which is what I am on the days I'm not making ceramics. Or maybe a dancer in another life or a world traveller.
What are your ‘must have’ snacks and drinks when in the studio?
I like peppermint tea, choco nuts!
What's the best piece of artistic advice you've ever received?
Just keep making, something good will come out of it all.
Who are your artistic heroes, and how have they influenced your work?
I like obvious people like Picasso, Elsa Schiaparelli, Henry Matisse, and Gustav Klimt. But really I take influences from many aspects of life. Gaining and gathering inspiration and notes from my different learning environments as well as key people who have resonated with me; tutors, course mates, friends past and present etc.
Thank you for sharing your answers Laura! It's always so fascinating to find out more about what drives an artist and how they work.
You can shop Laura's stunning illustrative and ceramic pieces here
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