Here at épanoui we love uncovering new artists and their work. Bethany Rose Wells and her amazing creations were a wonderful discovery through a chance conversation in our shop & studio, and the rest as they say, is history. Bethany is a local potter with an eye for colour and a passion for nature and all of the beauty it brings us. Her ceramics bring daily joys through mugs, vases and pots to all who choose to invest in her wonderful craft. Read on to find out more about Bethany's work and for a glimpse into what sparks her creative process.
Can you offer us a little glimpse into your daily routine?
I am a really early riser. I am at my best first thing in the morning, usually up and pottering about. I normally spend some time contemplating the day ahead over a cuppa. It is not uncommon to find me baking or out walking or running at the crack of dawn before the working day begins. That is when I have the most energy and often feel most inspired, so I tend to get straight into the studio. I might spend some time refining a piece i’m working on, or I start something new. I know my day has started well if I have got in the studio before 7am. My working week always looks different. You will usually find me in my studio potting, but, I also have my own cleaning business and help my partner with his gardening business too. As with many artists and craftswomen, I have a variety of different jobs which all allow me to spend time in my studio creating. I often finish my day in my studio too.
What made you start your creative business?
I have always been drawn to old crafts and nature inspired work. My real love of pottery started at school. I was lucky to have a teacher whom inspired me and taught me how to handbuild using the coil pot technique and I was hooked. I was also greatly inspired by stories my dad told me of growing up alongside a very talented, prolific potter in rural Wales. My business has grown organically really from wanting to create a life for myself that is centred around doing something I love and find fulfilling. The more I sell my pots the more I can make them, and the more time I can dedicate to doing what I love the most.
Do you have any exciting projects in the pipeline?
Yes! …. This year I did my first ever pit firing in Wales. This is the most ancient method of firing pottery and has been practised for thousands of years. The results were better than I had ever hoped and I managed to produce colours and textures that I couldn’t quite believe had come from a pit in the ground . I am working towards another larger pit firing later this year with some of the largest vessels and pots I have made so far. It's a very exciting process and feels very primal and magical. The beauty of this type of ceramics is that you have a limited amount of control over the outcome.. the fire, landscape and nature take over and all you can do is wait to discover the result…
Now for a few quick fire questions...
Happiness is…being completely submerged in the pot I am making, the book I am reading, the person I am with..happiness is all about the moment for me.
The song to get me on the dance floor is…oh gosh.. video killed the radio star - the buggles
I’m most proud of…how my skill in ceramics have developed over the last year. I have come on leaps and bounds and have really enjoyed refining my skills and seeing the results from putting in lots of time, effort and practise.
My dream dinner guests would be (dead or alive)…my grandma. She was my complete idol and true love. I would love to sit with her and philosophise about the world for another evening.
I’d be lost without…my partner.. cheesy I know but what can I say… he is my best mate and we have the most fun together. He really helps to spur me on and often sits in my studio with me in the evening whilst I work.
If I could tell my younger self one thing it would be…I love you!!
You can shop an extensive collection of Bethany's ceramics at our Bedfordshire shop & studio and also keep up with behind the scenes from her studio via her instagram @bethanyrosewellsceramics
