Helen Long Ceramics

Gallery

2026

"Kabin"

This new body of work centres on the creation of hand-built “Kabin” (flower vessels in Japanese). I am continuing to explore the traditions of Japanese Nerikomi while investigating the expressive potential of form, surface, and material. Each piece is shaped through an intuitive and tactile process, allowing subtle variations to emerge naturally and ensuring that every vessel possesses its own distinct character.

These works are guided by a sensitivity to material, process, and the subtle variations that arise through making. The palette of green and white draws from the natural environment, suggesting lichen-covered rock, emerging growth, and the quiet transitions found in the landscape. Surface markings, shifts in tone, and irregular forms are welcomed as part of the creative journey, lending each vessel a distinct presence.

Created as functional flower vessels, these “Kabin” also occupy a space beyond utility. Their understated forms encourage close observation, revealing nuances of texture, balance, and proportion that unfold over time. By allowing the qualities of the clay and the hand-building process to remain evident, the work seeks to foster a sense of calm, attentiveness, and connection to the rhythms of the natural world.

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2025

"Nerikomi"

This new body of work continues my exploration of Nerikomi, a traditional Japanese technique I previously used in the "Seascapes" series. Nerikomi involves layering and blending clays that are either naturally varied in color or carefully stained to create intricate patterns and textures. Unlike its wheel-thrown counterpart, Neriage, this method is specific to handbuilt forms, allowing for a more organic and tactile connection to the material.

The series draws inspiration from Japanese aesthetics, particularly the philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and celebrates the serendipitous nature of creation. This approach is reflected in a soft and tranquil color palette of blues and greens, punctuated by occasional splashes of red. Like the natural world, these pieces embrace irregularities as part of their charm, revealing an authenticity and harmony that feels both timeless and deeply human.

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2023-24

"Seascapes"

With this collection, I strive to capture the subtle nuances of the ocean's dance creating a sense of movement and life, making a body of work which evokes a sense of calm and wonder. By exploring the delicate nature of porcelain, I create works that both draw the eye and invite touch and by harnessing the relationship between porcelain, form and light, I deliver pieces which are both visually beautiful and emotionally evocative.

Through my work, I hope to inspire others to connect with the ocean and explore the depths of its power and mystery, sparking conversations about the importance of environmental conservation, and to inspire people to make a difference.

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2020-2021

"Calligraphy Bud Vases"

This collection was developed from the original 'Calligraphy' series. These small bud vases were commissioned by a local restaurant and have proved popular

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2020

"Stone Forms"

This collection was developed for my final submission for my degree.

I have always loved stones; the smooth, roundness of a pebble on the beach is so tactile. I always have one or two in my pockets.

The individual forms were wheel-thrown before being gently altered to create individual stone-like shapes.

The stone forms, if displayed as a simple pile, could represent cairns. These mystical creations are scattered throughout the British Isles, and across the world. They have an ancient past and are deeply rooted in our culture and our spirituality.

The smaller forms are beauiful to hold in the palm of the hand. They are smooth and tactile. I love to see how people interact with them when holding them. They often caress them, or keep them in their pocket, as something to touch when they need to feel grounded.

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2020

"Green Sand and The Heath"

This sculpture was made for The Heathland Artworks Exhibition in October 2020. https://www.surreyhills.org/events/heathland-artworks-exhibition/

It celebrates the conservation work at Farnham Heath in Surrey. The messagethis work conveys is that conservation needs a holistic approach- that the underlying green sand on the heath is as important for a healthy ecosystem as the flora and fauna.

In past times, this green sand was quarried for the construction industry, destroying vast areas of heathland habitat.

The work was photographed in woodlands on the site of a Bronze Age castle in Berkshire close to my home. In this location it speaks to me of ancient times, of folklore and woodland spirits.