Emily Gibbard
The PIT 101 Wells Rd, Totterdown, Bristol BS4 2BS
Emily's ceramic practice transforms vessels thrown on the potter's wheel into biomorphic sculptural forms that explore body perception, identity and sexuality. While rooted in the traditions of the pottery craft, Emily plays and experiments with thrown forms to create abstract body representation. Her inspiration comes from work in female empowerment, studies into prehistoric sculpture and her personal journey of body discovery.
Emily creates bold surrealist installations with her ceramics that invite viewers into a world where the familiar becomes strange and imagination takes physical form. Through exaggerated scale, unexpected juxtapositions, and tactile surfaces, each piece challenges perception and encourages curiosity, drawing people closer to discover hidden narratives and emotional connections. The interplay between fragility and permanence, humour and unease, creates a compelling visual tension that rewards repeated viewing. Audiences are captivated not only by the technical craftsmanship but also by the freedom of interpretation, finding personal meaning within dreamlike forms that resist straightforward explanation and linger in the mind long after the encounter.
Her works include free-standing totemic sculpture up to 3m tall as well as wall mounted displays.
Emily has exhibited both nationally and internationally, most notably at Collect Art Fair, Ceramic Art London and C14 Paris.
Emily is a recipient of Arts Council DYCP funding and is Founder and Director of Windmill Clay artist-led ceramics studio in South Bristol.

