About

Hella Keevil is a Kent based Ceramic artist. She is a member of Kent Potters Association (KPA) and has pieces of work in Gallery 35 Cranbrook . She has given a few public talks with enthusiasm and passion often bringing along quirky experimental pieces

Her love of ceramic started young. Traveling to Salvador , Colombia and South Africa seeing the wonderful shapes and colour .At school in the 70’s pottery was the creative class that sparked attention. She took A levels in Art, Maths and Biology.

Hella followed the Biology rout with a masters degree in medical microbiology. She worked as Sera Lab initially on antibody production then a few years later found a post at Marie curie research institute. This was academic research looking where cells malfunction in the cellular division stage , a subject she found fascinating. In the lab it was always the experimental practical aspect that kept her excited. There was a lot of microscopy work involved and in the 80’s opportunity to develop your own images in the dark room.

Some years ago a new pottery school opened nearby with an opportunity to start classes. This was The Clay Studio east Sussex It became clear that it was going to be more than a hobby and she now has a basement studio with a kiln where she can take ideas further and experiment deeper. She works in stoneware from delicate porcelain to black chunky clays, often mixing clay bodies. She mainly hand builds and she feels there is more freedom of movement. Any wheel thrown pieces will be altered or carved. She has ongoing lines of interest often using plants to imprint. A trip to Sicily sparked the deep energetic joy she feels with black clay. Discovering porcelain paper clay, the extremely soft delicate clay is leading in some interesting directions, particularly exploring the translucent aspect.

Hella is fortunate to have Ashdown Forest nearby and spends happy times walking there in all weathers and seasons. The love of trees lead to a range of birch inspired vases. Mushroom shapes feature widely too.

Hella is a member of Kent Potters Association (KPA) and has pieces of work in Gallery 35 Cranbrook She has given a few public talks with enthusiasm and passion often bringing along quirky experimental pieces