Meet the maker: Colour enamel ceramicist, Laura Lightbody.

Inspired by the often overlooked shapes of everyday life, ceramic artist, Laura Lightbody injects a sense of vibrancy into spaces through her colourful, enamel-based compositions.

A Glasgow-based ceramicist, Laura is specialised in ceramic enamel transfers - a method of applying colourful surface pattern to a glazed clay surface. Putting together striking compositions with a playful aesthetic, we are eager to learn more about the creative process behind Laura’s work.

Popping into Material Source Studio Glasgow to support this summer’s showcased creative practitioners for Makers in Residence: Scotland, Laura reinforces the encouraging nature of Glasgow’s creative community we later on discuss.

Below, she chats to us about her love of colour, influences of the Bauhaus, and Glasgow’s thriving creative scene.

First off, can you please introduce us to your practice?

“I am a ceramicist who creates bold and bright contemporary ceramic pieces designed for domestic settings. I thrive on creating vibrant compositions as surface patterns, as wall panels and slip-cast forms suitable for both decorative and functional use.

“My aim is to bring colour, shape, and arrangement together to create striking contemporary ceramics.”

How did you get started?

“After I left art school, I started small. I was still living at home and so took over my parent’s garage, however I was conscious that I did not want this to be a long-term situation.

“Once I moved out, I was fortunate to be able to have a workspace at home and have managed to maintain this set-up ever since. Being able to head into my workroom at any time is a luxury I am grateful for, especially when inspiration strikes!

“Since graduating, I have balanced my professional ceramics practice alongside teaching art and design. Being able to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for my passion is rewarding and grounding in equal measure.”

How did you come to working with colour enamels and ceramics?

“It was during a project in my time at GSA where I first discovered enamel transfers, or waterslide decals they are sometimes called. Being shown how to screen-print my own imagery that could be applied to a glazed surface was eye-opening and inspiring.

“It was not until I left art school that I began to explore decals further and start to investigate the endless possibilities the material provides. I love the immediacy of the material and the vibrancy of the colours that are possible.

“It has taken years of trial and error to get to the stage I am at, and yet I am still learning. With ceramics there is always an element of chance no matter how experienced you are and so the excitement of opening the kiln to reveal what I have created, never gets old.”

As a graduate of the GSA, what makes Glasgow such a great hub for creative people?

“The good thing about Glasgow is it is a small city, which means you can make connections easily. There is a vibrant arts scene which is supportive and encouraging, which in turn keeps the creative network thriving. We all encourage each other to keep going, keep progressing.

“The close community feel is what brings artists here and more importantly, keeps them here. People Make Glasgow as they say!”

You will often find me sifting through colour samples, off-cuts, and my stock of enamels, it’s my true happy place!

What research and inspiration do you draw upon to create your pieces?

“When looking at a blank form or surface for my next piece of work, I always feel excitement about the creative possibilities. The work of Memphis, specifically Nathalie Du Pasquier never fails to inspire me. Twentieth Century art and design, the Bauhaus, as well as architecture and street furniture are all elements I take inspiration from before developing my motifs.

“Spotting a feature from the everyday - such as repetition in a metal railing or the shape from a cycle rack, items that are often overlooked or seen as mundane and being able to incorporate them into a design - is what keeps me motivated and inspired.”

How do you plan your colourful compositions?

“Usually, my starting point will be a single motif or a detail that I want to include. Once I have an initial arrangement planned out, I cut out the shapes from the enamel sheets, sometimes by hand or with a digital die-cutter, which results in a variety of offcuts. Often it is the offcuts themselves that inspire me. I work instinctively with geometric shapes as well as the remnant shapes to create the compositions.

“I position the pieces on the surface of the tile or form and attach them lightly with blu tack. Once they are in place, I leave them in their arrangements for a day or so before going back with ‘fresh eyes’. If necessary, I adjust the composition at this point.

“From here I apply the enamel transfers to the surface of the piece, ready for the final firing. I enjoy each stage of my making process as I am using a variety of skills and techniques, and it has taken me years of experimentation to hone my own way of working.”

The close community feel is what brings artists here and more importantly, keeps them here. People Make Glasgow as they say!

What are you currently working on?

“I am currently working on new pieces on a larger scale. Up until now I have been working in 2D and 3D independently, but I am keen to integrate the two aspects of my work.

“Working on a larger scale is something I have been excited to develop for a while, so watch this space for super-sized wall panels and forms!”

And finally, going back to the start, where do you feel your love for colour stems from?

“Colour is such a powerful element, and I love how it can influence our mood. Having a blank surface to transform is continually inspiring to me and being able to create colourful pieces that can bring joy and a positive force to a space, is one of the reasons I love working with colour.

“I am fascinated with the way colours interact with each other, and I have a keen eye for putting combinations together. This is a part of my process that is particularly enjoyable. You will often find me sifting through colour samples, off-cuts, and my stock of enamels, it’s my true happy-place!”