Artist Hand-Sculpts Detailed Ceramics That Mimic Aquatic Life

Artist Lisa Stevens creates stunning ceramic sculptures that imitate organic motifs found in nature. Her small, decorative pieces are composed of dozens of notches and ridges made without the use of any stamps. Instead, Stevens uses a variety of small tools to achieve the crisp structure of her creations.

Based in Bristol, Stevens worked as a sculptor for Aardman Animations before beginning her ceramic art practice. Now, the British artist takes inspiration from coral reefs, flowers, geology, moss, and lichen in making her figures—which vary wildly in color and design. Some of her bowls are painted in stoneware glazes or melted glass, while other pieces are left as white porcelain. Additionally, Stevens often uses high-fired porcelain clay—making the elaborate sculptures slightly translucent when held up to the light.

Among her body of work are seashell-like bowls with varying configurations of flowers and aquatic shapes painted in vibrant greens and oranges. Stevens also produces more sculptural pieces based off of organs like the heart and lungs, which she fills with tiny holes and hatches. In her artist statement, Stevens says that she “hopes to highlight the issues human activity has on the environment. Particularly how small differences in each of our behaviors can add up to make a big difference.”

Stevens’ ceramic sculptures are available to purchase through her Etsy shop. You can also keep up to date with the artist’s latest creations by following her on Instagram.

British artist Lisa Stevens creates intricate ceramic sculptures inspired by aquatic and geological motifs.

These small, decorative works are made without the use of stamps. Instead, Stevens achieves the crisp detail through the use of her own tools.

And once her creations are painted, they’re given a whole new life.

Lisa Stevens: Etsy | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Lisa Stevens.

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