MAKERS | ASIA PACIFIC | AUSTRALIA | CERAMICS

Ebony Russell | Ceramicist

At first glance, Ebony Russell’s sculptures might appear to teeter on the edge of collapse, like a towering cake mid-topple, frosted with baroque swirls of sugar and cream. But look closer. What seems like icing is, in fact, fired porcelain, piped with the precision of a pastry chef and the vision of a sculptor, rewriting the rules of craft. Sweet, excessive, and subversive, the Sydney-based ceramicist's striking works embrace the ornamental with unapologetic flair. It invites viewers into a world where decoration is not an afterthought but the very structure itself.

Ebony Russell's distinctive clay creations. All images © Simon Hewson 

How did you come to your craft? 

"Ceramics fascinated me from a young age. Sculpting with clay was one of my favorite childhood activities. I simply followed that feeling, and it grew into a lifelong passion. It’s always felt like a natural path, less of a decision and more of an unfolding."

How and where did you learn your technique? 

"I studied ceramics at university and recently completed a Master of Fine Art at the National Art School in Sydney. My first use of piping with clay was back in 2004, when I was creating works inspired by cake decorations such as ballerinas, wedding toppers, and bonbons from weddings and christenings.

"Over the next 15 years, I continued experimenting, and eventually, the icing became central to my work. I moved away from figurines and began exploring decoration as a structural form. The rise of 3D printing also influenced my thinking, especially around form and surface. During my MFA, I pushed these ideas further by challenging traditional ceramic techniques through a playful, icing-inspired approach."

Ceramic works by Ebony Russell © Simon Hewson

How do you plan, prepare, and execute your works?

"My artworks begin with an idea or theme, often inspired by an object, literary text, or personal experience. I research the subject in depth, sketch loosely in my sketchbook, and begin creating small maquettes and glaze tests. These experiments help me refine my approach before I begin working on the larger pieces.

"Much of my research involves reading and visiting museums to engage with historic ceramic collections. I intentionally leave room for discovery during the making process. My sketches are loose, allowing for spontaneity as the work evolves."

Who or what most influences your work?

"Autobiographical experiences and the stories of women have a deep influence on my practice."

Are there any themes running through your work? 

"Women’s experiences, gendered aesthetics, labor, and traditional craft practices are central themes throughout my work. Where do you work? I divide my time between my home studio in Sydney and a shared space at Kil.n.it, an experimental ceramics studio in Glebe."

Glazed ceramic bows by Ebony Russell © Simon Hewson

What does a typical day look like?

"My mornings begin with getting my two daughters ready for school, followed by studio time until the afternoon. I teach art in the early afternoon and also work as a sessional lecturer at the National Art School. My days vary between making, researching, photographing work, and installing exhibitions. It’s a diverse and flexible routine that fits well with my family life and teaching commitments."

What are the best and worst things about being a craftsperson today?

"The best part is being able to create every day. Working with other creatives is inspiring and energising. It’s never boring. However, artists and the arts are often undervalued in our society. The lack of consistent funding and opportunities makes it hard to sustain a practice, and many artists need additional employment to make a living."

"Working with clay is incredibly grounding. Its tactile nature connects me deeply to my practice, and I find joy in being part of a ceramic tradition that spans thousands of years. But ceramics is technically demanding. It takes years of experience to master. The equipment is expensive, and firing can be unpredictable. It’s heartbreaking to lose a piece at the final stage after so many hours of work."

Ebony's Sydney-based studio © Anna Kucera

An object you’ll never part with?

"I have a small collection of childhood figurines that have always stayed with me. They now live in my studio and quietly watch over my work."

The career you’d be doing if you weren’t a craftsperson?

"Probably a landscape gardener. It feels like the closest thing to working with clay. There’s something beautiful about growing things in the earth."

A place or space that really inspires you, anywhere in the world?

"The V&A Museum in London. It’s a true treasure trove."

Interview by Emma Becque
Photography by Simon Hewson & Anna Kucera