About Lisa Ellul
My path to becoming a ceramist began in Liverpool in 1990 while working as a bank clerk. Feeling totally out of place in the office environment I visited the local careers office during one lunchtime. When asked what area of work I was interested in I had no hesitation in replying that I wanted to be an artist. An interview was arranged with Liverpool City College, and by the following week I’d been accepted onto the Art Foundation course. My creative journey had begun.
I had two fantastic years at Liverpool City College working in different mediums and materials. I soon discovered that I loved building with my hands and creating three dimensional objects. I applied to Manchester Metropolitan University to study a degree in Three Dimensional Design and was accepted.
The course allowed us to work in glass, ceramics, wood and metal during the first year and then specialise in two areas for the remainder of the degree.
I’ve always had a love of nature and been fascinated by the complex and beautiful natural structures and textures found in plants, bark, seed pods, corals and shells. It is this natural theme that inspires my ceramics. I’m equally inspired by my surroundings. I’m lucky enough to live with my husband in the beautiful Hope Valley in the stunning Peak District National Park. My garden, which my studio overlooks, has a direct influence on my ceramics. The structures in leaves, textures in a piece of bark, seed pods.
My vessels are constructed from layers of finely rolled tubes or cones of clay. These are organised in a structured formation building the thickness of the vessel wall. Some vessels are multi-layered and hold a solid, weighted volume. Others are simple one-layer vessels resembling seed pods and cones. This method of construction creates an intricate texture and articulation of surface. Surfaces are almost bone like with fossilised leaf patterns or inlayed textures. Simple washes of oxides highlight texture and the occasional use of gold leaf adds a sense of luminosity and luxury.
Since setting up in 1997 I have exhibited throughout the United Kingdom as well as America and Europe. I have been a guest lecturer teaching three dimensional design at HND level. My work is in the collection of the Manchester Art Gallery and William Ismay's private collection since donated to the Yorkshire Museum.
My love of ceramics has never diminished.