Meet Hannah Staniforth: a ceramicist and artist, who studied at Chesterfield College before doing a degree in design crafts and starting her own business. She is now back where her love of working with clay began, working as a ceramic technician and technical coach. At the same time, she is also studying for a PGCE qualification, and continuing to create and exhibit her own work.
Photo credit: Ben Boswell
She told us more about her how her creative career developed and why she believes creativity pays.
Where and how did you train?
“I first fell in love with clay when I was student at Chesterfield College. The workshop was a creative hub of like-minded peers who also fell in love with the material. After I finished my college courses I went to DeMontfort University in Leicester to study design crafts and carry on my arts education. This is where I learned to throw on the wheel and created my first ceramic collections.”
Tell us about some of the achievements of your career so far?
“I was offered a place on the Ceramic Starter Studio program at Yorkshire Artspace in Sheffield after I finished university. Here, I spent 2 years building my skills and starting my own business. This gave me the opportunity to work with and be mentored by amazing makers from Sheffield and around the country. During my time in Yorkshire Artspace I began to show my work in galleries and prestigious craft events around the country. I was selected to show in the “Emerging potters” showcase at the Bils and Rye Gallery in 2016 and I was also selected to show in the “Dish” Exhibition at Lotte Inch Gallery in 2017, which was co curated by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge.
I then started my route into teaching ceramics with my art residency at Loughborough High School, where I had a small studio space. I taught extra-curricular activities to the students and was on hand for specialist technical support for A Level and GCSE students. Since leaving Loughborough High School I have taught Ceramic classes in Sheffield, before coming back to Chesterfield College to start my current role.
I still make my own work in my home studio to show in galleries across the country. My work is very traditional in the way it is made on the potter’s wheel, but I treat each piece I make as its own canvas, so no two are the same. I find this a great creative outlet to continuously experiment by mark making.”
What is your favourite material to work with?
“Clay is my favourite material to work with. The transformation from a ball of clay to a functional and tactile object is wonderful. However, I also enjoy abstract and expressive painting and small silversmith projects, when I get the chance.”
What part of your career makes you most proud?
“I would say it is being able to inspire the next generation of designer makers from our local area.”
Why are the creative industries so important?
“There are a many reasons. Firstly, I believe they offer an opportunity for people who might not be academic learners. I am dyslexic so school and exams were hard for me. However, when I came to Chesterfield College the enthusiasm and passion of the staff and the support I got was amazing. I wouldn’t be in the position I find myself in today without it.
We teach largely traditional skills in my area of expertise and I believe it is so important to keep these skills alive and pass them down the generations. Not just for nostalgic value, but because these skills can produce new ideas and ways of thinking when being taught to fresh minds.
Importantly, during lockdown, craft and art were a way for people to keep busy and a fantastic way to help with mental wellbeing.
Everyone should have the chance to learn and gain the satisfaction of making things with your hands. My favourite quote from William Morris sums it up. He said: “I do not want art for a few any more than education for a few, or freedom for a few.”
Describe your passion for the arts.
My passion for the arts is for craftsmanship and my desire is to make it accessible for all.
