Louise Bell
Louise is a ceramic artist based in Lewes, East Sussex. She makes hand built ceramic sculptures with multi – layered surfaces. Each of her projects evolves from the project before it. The ‘Ancient Toys’ project was inspired by the universal appeal of toys, with sources dating back as far as 1500 BC. Out of this project came the ‘Regeneration’ series. The animals on these ‘pull-along’ toys became totemic animals carrying symbols of hope for the environment. The ‘Endangered Species’ project has clear links to her previous projects. The endangered animals are depicted as toys to indicate that representations of the live animal maybe all that is left if humans do not change their actions.
Louise uses a high firing earthenware clay, slips, underglazes, a lithium glaze and sometimes gold lustre and enamels to achieve a muted surface that gives the impression that the sculptures are ancient artefacts. Every piece is unique and her designs are broadly inspired by folk art and antique toys.
Louise studied Fine and Applied Art at City Lit College, London and completed a Masters in Craft, specialising in ceramics at Brighton University. In 2019 she participated in the Craft Council’s Hothouse Programme. She is a member of Design Nation and exhibited with them at Collect, Somerset House in 2025. She has also exhibited at Ceramic Art London, at The International Ceramics Festival in Wales and recently with Future Icons Selects in London.
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