Crafting the ethereal through ceramics and glass
- Leora's creations are at the intersection of functional art and fantasy
- She finds inspiration in the Sussex countryside around her studio
- Her making process is characterised by reimagining industrial techniques
Since her graduation in 2022, Leora Honeyman has captivated the design world with her unique approach to materials. At the Royal College of Art, Leora received a prestigious Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust grant which allowed her to delve into industrial plasterwork, mould making, and borosilicate glass blowing. "These mediums allow me to infuse my creations with technical mastery and artistic vision," she explains. Leora's functional collectibles blur the lines between the familiar and the ethereal, earning her a reputation for crafting pieces that have a dreamlike quality. She set up her workshop in the countryside in 2019 and finds great inspiration from being nestled in this natural setting. "My studio is a crucible of creativity, where my ceramics and glass works take shape as otherworldly designs," she says.
INTERVIEW
For me, function and art are two sides of the same coin. I strive to create pieces that are both practical and extraordinary. It is about finding a sweet spot where everyday objects become conversation starters and works of art.
Nature is my muse. The stillness allows ideas to bubble up. I am fascinated by insect colour schemes and plant geometries. Being surrounded by the natural world's aesthetics sparks my creativity in unexpected ways.
The materials chose me, really. I connect deeply with clay and glass – they are like old friends. These earth elements have their own personalities, and I click with them. The magic of fire and heat in glasswork is particularly enchanting.
Clay has been a constant in my life since childhood. My mum was a potter. Glass came later, at the Royal College of Art. I choose materials based on the traditional idea they are tied to, and then I push them beyond familiar expectations to make viewers pay closer attention.
