Miyelle Karmi

Clay Collective

Ceramicist | London, United Kingdom

A second life in ceramics

Miyelle is a self-taught ceramicist
She is constantly learning from trial and error
Her ceramics are at once useful and playful

With a degree in graphic and communications design, Miyelle Karmi originally worked as a graphic designer and art director for 15 years, until one day the idea of working ceramics popped into her head. Once it was in, she could not get it out and she thought “I need to give this a try.” The self-taught craftswoman had no formal education in ceramics before launching herself into this second career. She learned by watching YouTube videos and talking with other ceramic artists from the Clay Collective, a hub where she shares a studio space in London. As soon as she discovered working with clay, she fell in love with the process and the feeling she got from holding an object that she had made with her own hands. Miyelle's intention is to make pieces that are tangible, functional and enduring.

Interview

©miyelle

©Dave Pearce

When and how did you start being a ceramicist?: I became a member of a studio called Turning Earth in 2017 and that’s when I started experimenting. I taught myself through trial and error, watching YouTube videos, observing what other makers were doing in the studio and asking questions.
What is a memorable moment in your career?: It was having my work featured in ELLE Decoration magazine. I have subscribed to that magazine for years and love looking through it as a source of inspiration and fantasy. So it was a really proud moment for me when I saw the feature about me and my work on the page.
In what way is your craft linked to the territory?: London is one of the top cities in the world for arts and culture. I am very lucky to live in an incredible city at the cutting edge of art, design and architecture, and it inspires my work all the time.
Could your craft be considered in danger?: The current energy crisis and impending recession are going to affect everyone. As the cost of firings go up, we will unfortunately have to raise the prices of our pieces. This will undoubtedly impact artists and makers.

Miyelle Karmi is a rising star: she began her career in 2017