Find Out How This Durham-Based Ceramicist Balances Pottery with Psychology
Part-time university lecturer and potter Jeanet Ingwersen finds inspiration in her Scandinavian roots
Tell us what you do.
I lecture in Psychology at Teesside University three days a week and potter in my home-built studio in my back garden in the lovely little village of Hawthorn in County Durham, near the coast, where I live with my partner Guy and our two dachshunds (Frankie and Bailey).
What’s your background?
I was born in Denmark, just outside Copenhagen. My family relocated to Lillehammer in Norway, when I was seven so that’s where I did all of my schooling and attended college. I moved to the UK in 1995 to study Psychology at The University of Dundee and met my partner there and, after graduating, we moved down to County Durham where I’ve been ever since. Following my Masters and PhD, I’ve been lecturing in Psychology for the last 17 years.
My love of pottery started when I was little, just messing around with clay. I had never tried a pottery wheel until around 10 years ago when I took a local course run by the fantastic Hugh Penney of Handknitted Pottery and was immediately bitten by the pottery bug and after a few years decided to split my time between lecturing and pottery. I’ve been steadily growing my business over the last few years, building a home studio where I create and fire all my pieces. I also offer pottery lessons and open studio sessions to those who are keen to try before investing in their own equipment.
Where do you find inspiration?
Being Danish and growing up in Norway, I am naturally drawn to and inspired by Scandinavian design. I love the simplicity, minimalism and functionality inherent in the Scandi style, which is reflected in the pots I create. The textured glaze in both white and those with splashes of colour has been inspired by the gorgeous rugged landscapes of Norway.
Where do you source your materials?
I prefer to support local businesses, so I source my clays, glazes, tools and other materials from the lovely Jack at Sedgefield Pottery Supplies based in Darlington. Jack is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
What’s your typical day?
Since going part-time as a lecturer and starting my pottery business, I have discovered the joy of every day being different. With three days working at the University, I often find myself pottering at some quite unusual hours, particularly if I have an order to fulfil. You can see the little studio in the garden flooded with light on late evenings and very early mornings. On my pottery days, what I do all depends on my list of things to do and where I am in the process. A typical day could include trimming pots that have been drying for a couple of days. I would then have a break to ease my back and then return to the studio to throw some new pots, which is probably my favourite part. On other days, I will do some glazing and of course there’s the associated cleaning and admin to do as well (my least favourite part!).
What’s the hardest part of what you do?
It’s tough to juggle the time and commitments of two very different careers. I currently work with one, medium-sized kiln, so the timing of making and firing has to be carefully calculated to have sufficient pieces ready to meet orders, or if I’m attending a craft fair for example.
What’s the best part?
I get to meet a lot of people, particularly if I’m selling at a fair or exhibition. I love to see the reaction when people discover a piece they really like. I also find that pottery gives me a much-needed break from the demands of teaching, research and supervision. It is therapeutic and calming and really can clear the head.
Can you tell us about a favourite recent creation?
After much practice and experimenting, I think I have finally got the hang of the tricky donut vase, which is also one of my best-selling pieces.
What are you currently working on?
I currently have two large orders on the go, both to local businesses. Bees & Butterflies, a floral design company also based in Hawthorn, have ordered a large number of vases to showcase their beautiful bouquets. Hygge Hot Chocolate, a North East small business, have recently re-ordered a batch of mugs to sell with their amazing hot chocolate. In each case, we designed the pieces together so that they are truly bespoke and exactly what they wanted in terms of their brand. How fitting that one of them is named after the Danish concept of cosiness!
Best place to eat/drink locally?
We’re so lucky to have the Stapylton Steakhouse right on our doorstep. Fantastic food, a good selection of wines, beers and ales, and always a warm reception and friendly atmosphere (and a few dogs in the bar). Their home-made nachos are incredible!
A book/TV show/podcast you recommend?
Obviously I enjoy The Great Pottery Throw Down, but I’m also partial to binge-watching a limited series during the long winter nights. I do like a Scandi noir and can highly recommend The Chestnut Man.
An item you couldn’t live without?
My two, gorgeous, long-haired dachshunds. And cheese.
Best snack for a long journey?
We often drive to Denmark and Norway to visit family (so that we can bring the dogs with us) so I’m very fond of car snacks. We take a cooler box in the car, and I’ll regularly make some smørrebrød to pass the time and the miles. Good quality rye bread topped with cold cuts or cheeses. Delicious!
