Ceramists We Love: Gemma Orkin

INTERVIEWED BY Lindi Brownell Meiring

Cape Town-based ceramic artist Gemma Orkin believes design needs to make people happy. Well, that’s exactly how we feel when we see her work. Browse the gallery above for 12 examples of her pretty creations.

What’s your favourite thing about being a ceramist?

I really enjoy the process of making a shape with a nice surface area to draw on, mixing up my own colours and creating one-off designs. Then, of course, there is the element of surprise when you open the kiln after firing, as colour can be so unpredictable with ceramics.

Which one of your ranges did you most enjoy creating?

I love them all! I wouldn’t be able to choose one, but I really enjoy drawing indigenous flowers and birds and creating a truly South African product. I love their different colour combinations.

Describe your aesthetic in five words.

Handmade. Old-fashioned. Simple. Creamy. Happy.

Visit gemmaorkin.frelio.com to view more of her work.