Spotlight | Tracy Dixon Ceramics

With a focus on contemporary living, Tracy Dixon creates both hand built and wheel thrown ceramics from her home based studio in Wiltshire. I caught up with Tracy to discuss how she turned her passion into a successful artisan business and the inspiration behind her beautifully handmade collections.

Let's start at the beginning. Can you tell us about yourself and how you got in to ceramics? When did you first fall in love with your craft?

I did a short evening course a few years ago which was a birthday present. Straight away, I was hooked. Then, an internship came up at Illyria Pottery in Oxford and that gave me the confidence to set up my own studio.

Can you describe a typical day for Tracy Dixon Ceramics?

I usually start the day walking our dog and sometimes an exercise class. Then I do a few house chores and admin. Mornings are always busy so I can have the afternoon in the studio. I’ll head out to the studio after lunch and work through until late afternoon. Every day is different, pottery can’t be rushed and so the natural process of making dictates what needs to be done, trimming, glazing etc. It never feels like work and I would spend all day making if I could.

What was the first thing you made in clay? 

A small white pot and I still have it. Someone told me to keep my first pot - great advice.

What are your most popular pieces?

Probably the small white display bowls. Very simple in design and they always sell very well.

Where do you find inspiration? 

I love a minimal aesthetic. I’m drawn to clean lines and neutral colours. After lots of experimenting, I finally feel like I know what I’m doing. The current collection feels right.

Tracy's latest collection, Linear references Japanese pottery through color and form.

I love how your pieces are both decorative and functional. How would you describe your aesthetic and how did you develop this style?

Most of my work is made for display use. I always wanted my work to sit easily amongst the interior. I like timeless shapes that hopefully will still be relevant in years to come.

Can you walk us through your making process?

In terms of design it’s fairly fluid. I might have an idea but once I sit at the wheel, it can turn out a little different, but usually in a good way. The first part of the process is throwing the piece. Then once it has dried a little, I can trim it and remove any excess clay from the base. Then the piece needs to thoroughly dry before its first firing. After that it is glazed again and then fired for the last time. 

I have done lots of experimenting with glaze and I finally feel like I have a great finish and colour palette to work with. Nearly all of my work is glazed white or a subtle nude colour.

If you could collaborate with another brand or maker, who would it be and why? 

Oh that’s a difficult one. I need to think about that.

Do you have a favourite piece of art from melissaselmin.com that would pair well with your ceramics?

I think my ceramics would sit perfectly with all of your work.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to turn their passion into a successful business?

Make sure you enjoy it. I genuinely love what I do. Of course the numbers matter too. My background is in merchandising so I can’t help but focus on the accounting side of it. When that’s in order it makes everything else so much more enjoyable.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working towards restocking my website and I also have an exciting commission. 

We are all dying to know! When will your next collection be released? 

I really want to restock my shop each month. That’s the goal this year is to keep a nice steady flow of work going onto the website. The next one should be mid June.

Thank you Tracy!

You can discover more of Tracy's work here and keep up to date with the latest on her Instagram feed. Styling and Photography by Tracy Dixon.