Hello, I'm Elle Read. I have a background in fine art, but after somewhat falling out of love with painting and losing my way creatively, in 2018 I started working with clay, initially handbuilding, and soon realised I had found my passion. After a pandemic-enforced hiatus, I took up wheel throwing in 2022, spending a year at Glasgow Ceramics Studio’s ‘Open Access’ programme. I now have my own small studio and kiln at my home in Milngavie, where I am also experimenting with developing my own glazes.
The name Stillpoint Ceramics is inspired by T.S. Eliot’s ‘still point of the turning world’ in Four Quartets: a place of balance in the midst of endless motion, mirroring the practical reality of throwing at the potter’s wheel as well as the deeper interplay of control and chance in ceramics. In my work I try to capture that blend of peace and unexpected delight. I think my fine art training has given me a sensitivity to form and colour that I bring to my work in ceramics. I aim to make quiet, considered pots with care and attention to detail; pots that I hope will be a joy to use in daily life.
You can find more of my work on my Instagram account @stillpoint.ceramics