A blooming career for ACT potter Emma Fleetwood

Many of us dream of throwing away the daily grind to chase our passion, but can never quite seem to find the time or motivation to make it happen.

Canberra policy adviser Emma Fleetwood is proving that a passion to design and create can defy the odds. With two small children and a full-time job, Emma has managed to start her own business, Plants, Light and Space Studio, a local go-to for a variety of charming crafts and wares including ceramics and jewellery.

“Plants, Light and Space Studio began in 2017 to combine all the things I loved into a business. This year, I expanded from just vases and greetings cards to other homewares, jewellery and woven plant pieces such as wreaths,” says Emma.

“I began learning pottery in 2009 at night classes, after the birth of my son. I was suddenly at home much more and looking for a new creative hobby which I could do at home while he played.

“I had always enjoyed making things, but I had not yet found my ‘thing’. I quickly fell in love with clay, the endless possibilities, surprises and the messiness of it all.”

Emma’s bespoke pieces are a product of her surroundings. Whether it be a sheen of a stone or the colour of a particular leaf, every piece is unique.

“I love pieces to look handmade, while there is great skill in making a set of matching pots, I find more beauty in the imperfections and the individuality of each piece,’ she says.

“I find that my style is influenced by Japanese concepts like wabi-sabi – the beauty of imperfection and change.

“Ceramics are a wonderful example of wabi-sabi, each of the stages of making – building, drying, first firing, glazing, second firing, sanding and finishing – all have their beauty,” says Emma.

“A piece changes so much at each stage that it’s necessary to be patient and not to get to attached to them at each stage. The end result can sometimes be unpredictable, but that is all part of the fun of it.”

Emma designs and creates each piece out of her studio at the back of her home in Downer. An extension on the 1960s cottage has allowed Emma to create a small studio for herself. The space is made from hardwood cladding and exposed brick, with one wall entirely made of glass so you can always see trees. With a large collection of household plants also surrounding the studio, inspiration is never too hard to find for this local potter.

With a focus on natural shades and shapes, Emma has had great success with on-trend locals, but what’s on the horizon?

“I’m currently working on expanding my surface-decoration skills, using gold lustres and metallic decals on vases and jewellery,” she says.

“I have also started collaborating with a local candle maker, the Little Flame Co. to create ceramic canisters. Excitingly, we are also working towards a range of Christmas pudding-scented candles. It’s lovely to be able to work with other local makers and support their businesses, too.”

The Plants, Light and Space Studio collection, ceramics and cards are stocked locally at the Canberra Potters Arts Centre in Watson, Designer Op Shop Emporium in Fyshwick, Saint Valentine in Hackett, Cardif Collective in Woden and the Big Green Cup Cafe in Bungendore.

Alternatively, you can purchase a piece or commission wholesale orders by contacting Emma directly via Instagram @plantslightandspacestudio or email fleetwood.emma@gmail.com

Photography by Ashley St George