My Biggest Takeaway from Ceramic Art London

This weekend, I spent a few days at Ceramic Art London and honestly, it was one of those experiences that stays with you long after you leave.

For anyone who hasn’t heard of it before, it’s a huge ceramics show in London and such a brilliant event. I went with my friend Sharon, who exhibits there and creates the most beautiful figurative sculptures and fauns.

What I love most about the show is that it doesn’t feel intimidating or exclusive. There’s something very grounded about it. Friendly. Welcoming. People are genuinely excited to be there because they love creativity, and that energy is really special.

Returning as a Different Version of Yourself

I visited the show last year too, but this year felt very different for me personally.

Before the pandemic, I was constantly travelling, attending events and being very social. Then the world changed, and I really retreated inward for a while. I closed my social profiles and stepped away from many of the spaces I once felt comfortable in.

Although I’ve travelled since then and done work-related events, I hadn’t really returned to art events in the same way. And last year, I really noticed that.

At the time, I was also navigating some personal things that were affecting my confidence, so although I enjoyed the experience, I remember feeling slightly disconnected within myself.

This year, though, I walked into that room and felt completely different.

Not because life is suddenly perfect, but because I’ve spent a lot of time rebuilding confidence and reconnecting with myself creatively.

And sometimes you don’t fully realise how much you’ve changed until you return to a place that once made you uncomfortable.

Watching People Connect With Art

I spent part of the weekend helping on Sharon’s stand during the private view and first full day, and it was fascinating watching how people interacted with the work.

Some people immediately wanted conversation. Others preferred quiet. Some were emotional in their responses, whilst others were more curious about technique.

And throughout the weekend, these beautiful conversations unfolded.

I found myself asking simple questions like:

“Which piece speaks to you most?”
“What does this one make you feel?”

And what struck me was how often people opened up in response.

The artwork became a doorway into memories, emotions and connection.

The Importance of Storytelling

Because Ceramic Art London is very much a selling show, it was also interesting observing how differently people engaged across the weekend.

Friday felt busy and decisive, whilst Saturday had a much slower, more reflective energy.

So many of the people buying Sharon’s sculptures had encountered her work before. Some had bought pieces previously, whilst others had seen the work last year and returned this year ready to invest.

It was such a reminder that creative work is often about the long game.

One of the most powerful parts of Sharon’s stand wasn’t only the sculptures themselves, but a handwritten story explaining how the fauns first came to life.

She wrote it the evening before the show, and all weekend people stopped to read it. Again and again, it became the starting point for conversations.

People connected with the story behind the work.

And I think we sometimes underestimate how much people crave that connection.

ACTION FOR YOU TO DO

So here’s something I’d encourage you to try this week.

Choose one piece of your artwork and write about why it exists.

• What inspired it?
• What was happening in your life when you made it?
• What emotions were present?

Even a few honest sentences can completely change the way someone connects with your work.

Those stories matter more than you think.

Have a beautiful week, and I’ll speak to you soon.

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Have a great week & take care,

Michelle xo