From Clay to Creation: Emilie Coste on Life as a Sculptor

What was the journey to being a sculptor?

Sculpting was always what I preferred to do since I was at school. I would spend all of my time in the art room. I then went on to do a ceramic design degree at Central Saint Martins, which I really enjoyed! As it was a design degree, they really took the time to teach you all the techniques and processes. After Uni I started doing freelance work and I shared a studio with two other sculptors that were far more advanced in their careers. They taught me a lot. Now I have my own studio in Chelsea, where I make all of my sculptures and where I also teach ceramics.

What is the biggest reward you get from what you do? 

In terms of teaching, it's definitely making people happy! I find this incredibly rewarding, as cheesy as it sounds I did not think it would have such an impact on me. In terms of my own practice, there is nothing more flattering than having people want to own something that you have spent hours working on. Art is very personal for everyone, and for your art to be liked by others, it means a lot.

What is your secret weapon that makes you good at what you do? 

Hard to say! I think my imagination takes me a long way. Now I have learned to be able to make what's in my mind which is not always easy.

What's your advice to the young today?

You need to be a go-getter in life. Easier said than done. But totally worth it. I'm still trying to follow my own advice.

Top 3 simple tricks re pottery 

1.Creativity comes through making. My mum told me this and she could not be more correct. Just start making the ideas flow. 2. Hands are the best tools. Stop trying to use a million tools, you pretty much only need one or two tools with you at best. 3.Never use water to fix cracks once the clay is bone dry. It will only make them worse.

Most common mistakes that people make with respect to your field? 

They don't realise how hard it actually is to work with clay. So teaching is important as it makes people conscious of the amount of work that is involved when creating a piece of ceramics.

What helps you get through a challenge?

My mindset. I need to be really relaxed and avoid stress as it's very difficult to rush things when working with clay. Being organised also helps - still working on that ;)

3 things you would bring on a desert island:

Gallons of Suncream, Romantic novels (as I'll need some sort of company) and a portable home ( does this count ? )