Amanda Mercer recently started stocking the gallery with her beautifully delicate ceramic buttons, nests and eggs, and is already proving very popular! Based in Carlisle, Amanda recently graduated from the University of Cumbria with a BA (hons) in Applied Arts. Her exciting creations can be found in our 'Objects of Desire' section.

1.Describe your Studio

I love it! It’s a room at the top of my house. I have just recently had it refurbished last summer so it is now practical with good storage, with a rescued work bench in which I make my ceramics on and I have a plan chest that stores my paper and has a good surface space for drying out my ceramics. It is lovely and bright with cream walls and the main wall painted with my favourite colour- chalk pink. I have a radio to listen to and I have a lino floor for easy maintenance. Inspiration and memos of new ideas or things to remember are up on notice boards and I also have my own paintings and drawings framed on the wall. Very girly! It is quite organised and tidy until I start working in it! I glaze in the shed outside as my kiln is there; unfortunately it’s too heavy to get up the stairs!

2. When did you first become interested in Ceramics?

I was never really trained in ceramics. I never chose it as a main discipline whilst at University as I wasn’t sure how I could translate my ideas. I had a limited knowledge of the techniques within ceramics through a foundation course and elective. I was always encouraged by my tutors to take it up and it wasn’t until my final year I had a go and started to get a feel for clay and how I could use it in a sensitive way to produce delicate forms. I gradually started to pick up new techniques and processes and established my own style. I love how I can interpret textile qualities with a fragment of clay by treating it as if it was a piece of fabric. Since then I haven’t looked back. I specialised in Printed textiles and Embroidery and now I am mostly known for my ceramics!

3. Which artists/designers influence you most?

\There are quite a few as I love to travel and visit galleries and exhibitions in which I discover new designers and crafts people that inspire me. To name a few I would have to say Gwen Bainbridge, she taught my elective course in Ceramic decoration and I truly love her work. Also Virginia Graham and Steph Story. Then there is the more textiles based, such as Claire Coles and Jennifer Collier.

4. Which piece of your work is your favourite?

I would have to say my porcelain ceramic buttons as I do have a little obsession with buttons! I like how each one of them is unique and different through their surface, shape and size and how I can use them to enhance my textiles. It’s also nice to hear what other people do with them when they purchase them- they can be used for anything!

5. Where do you look for inspiration?

Mainly items found and collected within the home especially in attics and my grandmas button box.. I also enjoy hunting in Charity shops for unwanted and forgotten items. I love items that have a history and personal attachment. Anything that is old, tatty, worn and faded. Especially, vintage papers, old photographs, lace, buttons, fragments of wallpapers and fabrics. I also draw inspiration from nature such as birds and their nests. I title my collection of work ‘home birds’ as it is based on looking at personal identities and memories.

6. What's the nicest thing anyone has ever said about your work?

I have so many people that say lovely things about my work and I think the biggest compliment is when a person purchases an item that I have designed and created. I am just so happy that people appreciate what I create and it inspires me to make more and develop further.

7. Do you prefer city or country side?

I live in a town house in the city centre so I would say town. I’m a young girl that loves to shop and go out with friends; it is just handy for everything! However I do love the countryside because of the nature aspect and my Grandma and Grandad live in the countryside so it holds a lot of memories whilst growing up.

8. Where would you like to be in five years time?

I would love to be an established designer and maker and still to be continuing to design, make, and develop new collections for people to see and own.

9. You recently graduated - do you have any advice for artists in the same position as you?

I would say to take every opportunity that comes your way. Be prepared to work hard and travel and apply for any exhibitions or fairs in which you want to be involved in. Not only does it give you something exciting and challenging to be a part of, it also gives you a rewarding experience and helps you to mature and gain confidence.

10. Where are you happiest?

There’s a few- when I am in my studio making, with my family and friends and with a cup of coffee and a slice of my Mam’s homemade cake. You can’t beat it!