If you have been in the Whist community for any amount of time, you would have heard me talking about our refillable candles. Our sustainable ceramics have become one of our best selling products since they launched early in 2024, and are my absolute pride and joy.

But what you may not know, is that I chose Katie as the potter that I work with, because of her commitment to creating ceramics in the most eco friendly way. It was important to me that the refillable candles were made in line with the brand ethics Whist is built on.

Katie, (from KP Studios in Brighton), and I sat down for a chat earlier this month. Let's get to know bother her, and her brand better, and get a little information on the nitty gritty of her craft. 

Hi Katie, I am excited for everyone to hear more about you and your brand. I am sure everyone would love to know, how did you become a potter and what drew you to it?

I was lucky enough to be offered an apprenticeship with a local potter after being stuck working in a shoe shop after university, I studied printmaking but was quite unsure how to pursue that as a career. I had always loved clay though studying sculpture at college, so it was really nice to have the opportunity to get back working with it and incorporating my skills from printmaking.

Ah so you kind of followed a path that led you to it! So, has it been a changing journey, or pretty straight forward?

It’s been a journey… and i’m probably not where I thought I would have been if you asked me say 10 years ago but its better than I could have imagined. The dream to live from being a creative everyday is very special. Don’t get me wrong it can be very challenging.

I totally get that. The journey with a small business seems to be full of challenges right? You know I love that you make sustainable ceramics, but how does sustainability feature in your work and why is it important to you?

It's very important to me. First off, clay as a material is itself natural and no waste, you can reclaim it to be used again and again unless it’s been fired.

All my packaging I use is either recyclable or reused.

Water consumption, something you might not necessarily think about when making pottery, i’m conscious of how much I use I like to collect rain water to use to rehydrate dry clay to be reclaimed. I reuse as much water as possible when washing tools and cleaning the studio etc and then also use any left over water to water plants.

Electricity , firing the kiln I would only ever run the kiln when its completely full.

I love that you look at the whole process. The fact that you use rain water too, appeals to my nature lovers heart. I know that we share that love of nature, so is that what inspires you Katie?

Yes. Ive always been inspired greatly by nature and the world around me, but also family and stories. I grew up in rural Hampshire, so my childhood was where my love of nature was born. My collections are very personal to me, each representing stories or cherished memories. They all have a gentle nod to nature too.

I also love the idea of taking things slowly and enjoying the small things like your morning coffee in a hand made mug is such a simple special moment that brings me a lot of joy.

I am such an advocate of irregular, handmade pieces that champion Earth, and can be cherished for a lifetime. I'm passionate about sidestepping trends, and mass production. 

I love that. As you know, Nature is very much where my inspiration stems from, so you are the perfect match for Whist. I would love to know, what is your favourite product to make?

I do really love making little handless jugs and forming the spouts. I love creating a batch and when they are all lined up, they look like little ducks with their beaks.

Those little jugs are gorgeous. I know you said your journey has not been without it's challenges, but what positive milestones have stood out for you in your business?

Investing in my larger kiln. That was a huge thing. Making that purchase allows me to fire so much more efficiently, therefore reducing my carbon footprint, and it allows me to take on larger projects. This was a big thing as having that capability allows my business to continue to grow.

That must have been so exciting! So what about challenges? What stands out as something you have had to overcome?

Recent increase in material and electricity costs is a constant challenge 

Oh gosh I hear you on that!

What about anything new. Do you have any new products in the pipeline that you want to share with us?

I am currently making some new little stem vases which i’m excited about.

Oh nice.... they sound gorgeous.

It has been so lovely chatting with you Katie. To finish our chat, I would love to know what would you like the future of KP Studios look like, and the future of British ceramics industry?

Just for me to carry on doing what i’m doing, growing as a business and working with other independent businesses. I would also love to see sustainable practices become the norm throughout the industry. 

You can see more of Katies work at her website, KP Studio