Anna Stoodley

I am a ceramicist living in Dorset, England. I have recently completed a masters degree in Craft from the University of Brighton. Whilst studying, I have been working at the ceramic studio ‘Brickett Davda’, producing high-end tableware for clients such as TOAST, The Conran Shop and March SF.

Since graduating and relocating to Dorset, I have built a ceramic workshop and am beginning my journey to establishing my own studio working under the name ‘Stoodio Psilo’. I am currently in the development stage of my first homewares collection. I am heavily influenced by the artist and activist, Carrie Reichardt’s statement:

“The beauty of craft is that at first it can seduce its audience. People are drawn in by the sheer skill and time taken to produce a piece, I believe this allows a dialogue to open up where the viewer can be challenged both emotionally and intellectually. There is an expectation that craft work is gentle, decorative and safe - but once an audience is engaged it is the ideal place to explore radical and controversial ideas.”

This quote really resonates with me, as I think it’s our duty as artists to make things that reflect the feelings of society. I try to make work that is beautiful, playful and meaningful. I am particularly interested societies views of drugs, more specifically psychedelics (such as psilocybin, MDMA) and their use as medicines for healing mental health issues such as addiction and depression. These narratives have fuelled my making for the last 4 years, and continue to inspire me as a maker.

While I am confident as a ceramic maker, I am here to learn new skills that I need to be a well rounded artist, looking at branding, photography, promotion and website building.