BCB is unveiling the details of seven emerging artists who will receive a package of support on our talent development programme. The selected mentees are Edie Evans, Rosie Priest, Remi Russo, Rachael Smith, Karamdeep Sohal, James Verity and Crunch Willoughby.
Talent Development Mentorship programme
The talent development programme supports early career creatives working in clay who feel that they face barriers progressing in the field of contemporary ceramics and accessing a professional network.
The programme will provide the artists with four mentoring sessions, an opportunity for a bespoke artist film, a network of peers and support from the BCB team.
Each artist is matched with a mentor, recruited from a team of established artists, curators and arts professionals. They are all passionate, committed and motivated to support someone early in their career.
“Our aim is to develop, sustain and expand innovative ceramics practice and improve lives together with artists and creative communities.
From our work with artists, students and industry partners, we’ve heard a heartfelt passion for creating a more equitable future where anyone, whatever their background, can build a career in contemporary ceramics.
We have a responsibility in addressing the under-representation of diverse artists and the barriers in accessing opportunities to progress.
This programme is one action we are taking to better support an increase in applications from artists who feel their identity and background are under-represented in our exhibitions and biennial programme.”
Priscila Buschinelli, Artistic Programme Manager at British Ceramics Biennial
The 2024 – 2025 Talent Development mentee cohort
Edie Evans (she/her)
Edie is an artist exploring the intersection of ecology, neurodiversity, and materiality through clay. Edie’s first interaction with clay was during the Covid lockdowns. She would routinely walk through her local landscape and, during one of her walks, found clay in its natural state. As a neurodivergent individual, tactile engagement with materials deepens her connection to nature, enabling unique perceptions and responses.
Rosie Priest (they/them)
For Rosie, discovering clay was a turning point in their journey with ADHD and became a way to soothe a restless mind. As a social practitioner, their art has always focused on centring others, creating spaces for their stories and expressions. Working with clay, however, shifted that focus inward. Their practice is influenced by the silly, strange, and absurd, often developing made-up folklore through masks and sculptures.
Remi Russo (he/him)
Remi is a British-born, Italian artist sharing his experiences of isolation through surface texture and organic form. After experiencing first-hand bullying, isolation became a form of armour to protect himself. While studying Ceramic Design at Central Saint Martins, UAL, clay became a source of comfort and created a haven for expressing his feelings visually. It soon became the tool he needed to develop his identity as an artist.
Rachael Smith (she/her, they/them)
Rachael is a disabled, neuro-diverse, Romany freelance artist and inclusion & diversity consultant. Their artistic practice thrives at the intersection of personal narrative, playful exploration and a deep reverence for the world around them. Through her work, she challenges perceptions, engaging in a multi-disciplinary freelance career and working as a consultant and staunch advocate for disabled arts.
Karamdeep Sohal (she/her)
Karamdeep is a 3D designer and maker with a strong connection to clay, influenced by academic background and cultural heritage. In India, the craft of pottery is intertwined with the caste system. Karamdeep’s family were potters, so she has a deep connection to this tradition. Working with clay allowed her to explore creative vision while honouring her cultural legacy.
James Verity (he/him)
James is an aspiring hand-builder who uses his own struggle with severe ADHD and poor mental health as inspiration for his sculptural work. After attending some local ceramics classes, he found that making with the raw material of clay was soothing and grounding. His fascination with clay has quickly gone from a way to pass the time to something much more invested.
Crunch Willoughby (she/her, they/them)
Crunch is a self-taught ceramic artist incorporating wild clay embellishments into their functional thrown pieces. She sources her own native materials, which have a strong connection to place and provenance. Though she has previously believed herself at a disadvantage due to a lack of classical training, she has realised that the self-reliance and resilience required to learn these skills and establish a practice speaks volumes to their enthusiasm and capabilities as an artist.
Mentorship opportunities can add real value to the progression in practice, providing insight and sharing experience which can help artists early in their career consider opportunities or challenges with a clear perspective.
The mentoring process involves the mentee asking for specific guidance around their work and professional practice. Through the programme, mentees will strengthen their connections and gain supportive, career-enhancing opportunities.
For press enquiries, please contact Communications & Audiences Manager Lesley Seal: lesley@britishceramicsbiennial.com