Susan Swales

Susan Swales works in porcelain to create sculptural pieces with an intentionally feminine aesthetic. Their pure porcelain whiteness and apparent softness convey an illusion of tranquillity and comfort. To the touch, however, the pieces are solid, and the material is strong, challenging the viewer’s assumption.

Since graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2007, Swales has developed material-specific techniques, allowing the idiosyncrasies of porcelain to guide and inform her practice.

Swales hand-builds vessels, usually from slabs, and attaches carefully hand-formed ribbons of porcelain, working intuitively. Her palette is restricted to white, black and gold tones, and she makes her own glazes and engobes.

“I love the strength and density of porcelain, and I am drawn to it partly because of the challenges of working with it.”

Swales’ work will be presented at the Highgate gallery in October 2027.