Hella Keevil is a Kent-based ceramic artist and a member of both the Kent Potters Association and the Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society. She regularly exhibits her work and enjoys giving public talks, often bringing along experimental pieces that push the boundaries of her practice.

Her love of ceramics began early. Travels to places such as El Salvador, Colombia and South Africa exposed her to rich forms, textures and colour. At school in the 1970s, pottery was the subject that truly captured her attention, leading her to study Art alongside Maths and Biology at A level.

Although her path initially led her into science—with a Master’s degree in Medical Microbiology—creativity remained central. She worked in antibody production before moving into academic research at the Marie Curie Research Institute, studying cell division. The hands-on, experimental nature of lab work, along with microscopy and image development, continued to feed her visual curiosity.

Years later, the opening of a local pottery studio reignited her connection to clay. What began as a class quickly became something more. She now works from her own basement studio, where she experiments freely with form and material.

Working mainly in stoneware, Hella explores a range of clays—from delicate porcelain to heavily grogged black bodies—often combining them. She primarily hand-builds her pieces, valuing the freedom and movement this allows, while wheel-thrown forms are often altered or carved.

Her work is driven by ongoing lines of enquiry. Natural forms frequently appear, with plants used to create texture and imprint. Travel continues to inspire her: the energy of lava in Sicily sparked a deep connection to black clay, while Iceland’s landscape opened up new ideas. More recently, she has been exploring porcelain paper clay, drawn to its softness and translucent qualities.

Clay also offers a sense of stillness and wellbeing in an otherwise busy world. Hella shares this through her volunteering at the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre, where she runs a monthly clay session.

Living close to Ashdown Forest, she spends time walking in all seasons, gathering impressions and imagery that feed into her work. This connection to nature is reflected in her pieces, from birch-inspired vases to recurring organic and mushroom-like forms.

instagram offers a good showcase of evolving works @hellakeevilceramics