Meet Ceramic Artist Tahnee Ingham | Creative Inspiration

Written by: Arcaa

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Published on

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Time to read 3 min

We know you know her from our e-commerce shots; she’s a face you’ve seen all over our website. But let’s get intimate and discover a little more about her artistic side. Step inside ceramic artist Tahnee's studio as she shares the inspiration behind her latest collection, wearing our chic Hugo Linen Knit T-shirt and Brie Pant in Storm from the Alda Collection

Hugo Linen Knit
Hugo Linen Knit

We’re curious to know more about your background. Working with clay seems so unique and creative, but it’s also a skill that takes time to master. What initially drew you to ceramics, and how did your passion evolve over the years?

I discovered I really enjoyed working with clay in high school (over 10 years ago now). Since then, I’ve dabbled in clay sporadically year in, year out, I’ve always had a bag of clay laying around and I would randomly make a pot when I felt inspired, teaching myself new techniques through Youtube and trial and error. Then, about 2 years ago I decided to take my ceramics more seriously and share them with the world, that’s when I made my first small collection and launched a website.

That’s amazing, Tahnee! It sounds like you were meant to work with clay. Your pieces are all unique, but there’s always that one creation that resonates a bit more deeply. Can you share which piece from your collection is your favorite, and why it holds special significance for you? Also, for anyone looking to start their own ceramics journey, it can seem daunting at first—what advice would you give to someone just starting out?

My favourite piece is the “Wave”. It took many failed attempts to pull this shape off. I stretched and stressed the clay to give it a warped look, often stretching it too far which would cause it to crack during firing. After a lot of trial and error, finally executing this shape felt that much more rewarding. In saying that, my advice would be - don’t give up, haha. It’s so easy to get discouraged when things don’t go as planned, especially in ceramics, where unexpected failures are part of the process. Your biggest lessons, and most original pieces often come from failures and mistakes.

Tahnee Ingham wearing the Hugo Linen Knit and Brie Pant in Storm, inside her studio, sharing the inspiration behind her art collection.
That's so insightful! It’s clear that patience and resilience play a huge role in your craft. What about your creative process? How do you handle those setbacks and challenges when things don’t go as planned? Where do you get your inspiration from and what influences your collections and pieces? 

My latest collection was inspired by bulbous, organic forms found in nature and living beings. All sorts of things influence my work - nature, architecture, interior spaces, music, long walks, new places and people. Another major inspiration is the material it self. By experimenting with no expectations, I let my hands guide me and allow the inherent properties of clay and gravity play their part in the process.

Hugo Linen Knit Storm
Hugo Linen Knit Storm

It’s fascinating how nature plays such a big role in your work. We also now that what we consume—whether it’s books or music—can have a huge impact on our creative mindset. What’s currently on your reading list or playlist, and how does it influence your creative process?

My mum recently invited me to a book launch she organised for work which lead me to this book I’m currently reading - Cultural Safety in Trauma-Informed Practice from a First Nations Perspective. This book “Encourages readers to challenge their unconscious, long-held beliefs and worldviews, and identify the differences between mainstream systems and more holistic indigenous understandings of social and emotional health and well-being.” As for music, this week I’ve been getting into Andre 3000. Between his upbeat funk/rap and ambient ethereal flute, it’s been a nice balance to bounce between. 


Hugo Linen Knit Storm

That sounds like a great mix! It’s always fascinating how art can be influenced by what we listen to and read. Speaking of creative shifts, every artist is constantly evolving. So, what’s next for you? Are there any exciting new projects or experiments you're diving into right now?

Over the past few years, I’ve focussed on shape and form, knowing that working with glazes would open a whole new can of worms. I’m now giving myself the freedom to explore new glazes and experiment with surface decoration. I’m excited to incorporate colour, 3D elements and combine imagery with clay. I’m also working on a few of larger plant/sculptural pieces that I’m excited to share.


Tahnee Ingham in the Hugo Linen Knit Ceramic

For those who are falling in love with your work (like we are!), where can they see more of your pieces or even purchase them?

Instagram: @palapala____

Website: palapala.com.au


CHECK TAHNEE LINEN KNIT SET

Shop The Latest Collection

Q&A with Tahnee

We wanted to get to know Tahnee a bit better, so we asked her a few rapid-fire questions. Here’s what she had to say:

Summer or Winter?

Autumn :)

Book or Movie?

Movie.

Quick or Slow Pace?

Slow, like a snail.

Sweet or Savoury?

Savoury—burgers, yum!

Tea or Coffee?

Coffee.

Beach or Snow?

Beach.

Truth or Dare?

Dare.

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