Frances Priest, a talented ceramic artist based in Edinburgh, creates stunning vessels, tiles, and sculptural forms that explore the beauty of patterns and decorative motifs. Her work is inspired by a book she received as a child, “The Grammar of Ornament” by Owen Jones, which was originally published in 1856. In this book, Jones compiled a detailed documentation of decorative motifs from various regions around the world, sparking Priest’s interest in incorporating a wide range of visual languages into her pieces.
Priest’s work emphasizes geometry and color, blending precision with organic movement. Her patterns often appear to be floating or overlapping playfully, creating a sense of movement and vitality in her pieces. She also continues the patterns across the bottoms of her vessels, ensuring a sense of completeness and unity in her designs.
One of her recent projects includes a series of cylindrical vessels with lids inspired by Chinese ginger jars. She also completed a large-scale tile commission for Theatre Clwyd in North Wales titled “Stellar,” and created a series of encaustic floral tiles for the garden at London’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
If you’re in Edinburgh, you can see Priest’s work at &Gallery in the upcoming group exhibition “Fragments,” which runs from July 5 to 30. You can also explore more of her work on her Instagram and website, where some of the pieces showcased in this article are available for purchase in her shop.
Frances Priest’s ceramic pieces are a beautiful fusion of geometry, color, and intricate patterns. Each piece reflects her passion for decorative motifs and her dedication to creating visually stunning and harmonious works of art. Visit her exhibition or check out her online platforms to experience the beauty and craftsmanship of Priest’s ceramic creations firsthand.
