Louise Ostara
As a mature student, I pursued a degree in Fine Art at Howard Gardens, Cardiff University, with a concentration in Sculpture. During my studies, I had the privilege of working under the tutelage of esteemed professionals, Dave Shepherd and Harvey Hood.
Upon completing my undergraduate degree, I achieved a PGCE in Art & Design, which marked the beginning of my teaching career in Fairwater, Cardiff. While managing the complexities of teaching and family life, my husband accepted a Head of Art position, necessitating our relocation from Cardiff to Ellesmere, Shropshire. This transition proved to be a transformative phase in my personal and professional journey, as it was here that I discovered and cultivated a deep-seated passion for ceramics.
With a resolute commitment to this newfound passion, I made the decision to transition away from teaching in order to dedicate myself fully to the field of ceramics. Through a combination of self-directed learning and participation in specialized workshops, including those hosted by Annie Peaker Ceramics, I honed my skills and developed a unique approach to ceramic art. Over time, I began producing and marketing bespoke ceramic sculptures, allowing my creativity to flourish and solidify my distinctive artistic voice.
Within my artistic practice, I cultivated a particular affinity for sculpting hares, a subject that resonated strongly with my audience. This led to a number of clients colloquially referring to me as “the hare lady,” with many returning to expand their collections by acquiring additional hare sculptures.
These days, I find joy in creating a diverse range of ceramic pieces—from charming chickens to intricate figurative forms—all from the cozy haven of my sculpting shed in the picturesque village of Froncysyllte, near Llangollen.
Each sculpture I create is a one-of-a-kind, handmade piece, reflecting my dedication to individuality and personal connection. To ensure authenticity, I stamp my logo on every sculpture, marking it as an original work.
It’s essential that the spirit and personality of the subject truly resonate with the customer. My work is often described as whimsical with a touch of haunting—ironically, despite what many assume, I’ve never even seen *Watership Down*!
Methodology & Inspirations
Each sculpture begins with the slab-building technique, where clay is carefully shaped and assembled piece by piece to form the desired structure. Once the shape takes form, I refine every detail, allowing the subject to truly come alive.
To create unique surface textures, I often incorporate found materials, such as textiles, seamlessly blending them into the process. While the sculpture is still in its greenware stage, I apply slips to add depth and character. After the piece has fully dried, it undergoes a bisque firing to strengthen the clay.
Next, I layer underglazes and oxides, followed by a final firing to achieve the perfect glaze finish. The process concludes with hand-applied accents and radiant finishes that illuminate each piece with vibrant energy, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind creation bursting with life and personality.
My work delves deeply into the fascinating worlds of drama and mysticism, driven by my profound passion and enduring love for animals—particularly the enchanting, whimsical, and playful nature of hares. Every sculpture I create is a heartfelt tribute to their unique and distinctive charm, carefully crafted to capture the very essence of their spirited and captivating personalities.