Meet: Sophie Copeland

ceramic artist

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Join us as we chat with Sophie about the inspiration she brings to her ceramic practice, the creative process, experimenting with techniques, and more!

Before we start, for those who don’t know you, can you share with us what you do and where you’re based?

I am a ceramic artist based in the charming Richmond, Virginia! I mostly make functional tableware like mugs and cups for local shops, but I also create larger sculptural pieces out of clay too. 

Can you share what initially drew you to the world of ceramics? Was there a specific moment or influence that sparked your interest?

Clay didn’t come to me until 2018 during my Intro to Ceramics course when I was a year into my time at VCUarts. Something just kind of clicked when I used that medium, and I felt so connected to the craft. It feels like I can do anything with clay, and it lends itself to so many other processes and skills I already love. I decided to pursue more ceramics courses for the next three years of VCUarts and I pushed myself to master a new craft. Something felt so right about clay, truly like it was a missing piece from my life and I happened upon it.

In previous discussions, you've mentioned drawing inspiration from digital internet trends, particularly the imagery of chains. How do these contemporary elements integrate into your traditional ceramic practice?

I’ve always had a goal within the world of ceramics and any art I create to make work that has never been seen before and to push the limits of the medium. The way that makes the most sense to me is by pulling inspiration that is around me, and that happens to be inherently digital. I find it really interesting to blend such an ancient craft that has traditional methods of making objects and combining them with hyper-contemporary imagery and ideas.

I’ve noticed recently that the breadth of my work tends to have a throughline with natural and unnatural imagery blended together. Like a water droplet lid to a jar with a high gloss chrome glaze or ceramic flies on an amphora-shaped vessel with rhinestone calligraphy. I think because ceramics is so centered around a very specific way of making and how we’ve been told there’s a right and wrong way to use clay on the wheel, being able to add these details that oppose the standard allows me to have my own artistic freedom.  

You've experimented with both hand-building techniques and modern technologies like 3D clay printing. Could you share insights into your experiences with these methods and how they complement each other in your work?

What I loved about using a 3D clay printer was how much manual/human labor it actually required in order to print a piece. Instead of fighting with the possibility of a machine making a better clay sculpture than me, I ended up sort of collaborating with the machine because of the amount of physical work I had to do before even pressing “print.” I think this calls back to my thoughts on using digital trends within my work but rather with the direct way of making and how I blend traditional methods with modern technology to make something new and experimental. And when it comes to my everyday processes, I use my traditional knowledge as a potter as a base for my whimsical handbuilt details I add on later. There always seems to be a balance between old and new, natural vs unnatural. 

When starting a new piece, do you follow a specific routine or ritual to foster your creative process?

Usually a new piece is inspired by something totally random and not at all related to the realm of ceramics so I have to do a deep dive into this new special thing that sparked wanting to create new work. My routine typically involves making mood boards and going down a sort of visual research hole of finding images that feel like my new idea, which can mean color schemes or materials or patterns that express the same sentiment I’m looking for. I also always have to sketch before getting on the wheel to throw something new. Being able to see the profile of the object I’m throwing through a sketch is extremely helpful once I’m starting a new project at the wheel. 

Looking ahead, are there new themes or techniques you're eager to explore in your upcoming projects?

I am always hoping to learn as much as possible in ceramics and to try new techniques, even the ones I purposefully avoid because I think they’re too difficult. I’ve experimented with larger, more sculptural vessels in the past but I think that’s a technique I am constantly trying to explore in order to strengthen my skills. And with that, my larger pieces are typically more conceptual so I aim to allow myself to make more work outside of functional mugs for shops. I’m hoping and planning that 2025 is when I will take the time to make large conceptual sculpture pieces. 

In that same sentiment, how do you maintain a balance between personal artistic expression and external influences or trends?

This is a hard one these days!! I feel like we are being fed the most information and images and content ever before and it can feel difficult trying to find your individuality within all of it. I think for me, I find my way through the hubbub by relying on a sort of gut feeling. It’s hard to describe but when I’m making my most genuine work, there’s a very strong feeling that I need to pursue a new idea even if it seems really weird. Trust that you are drawn to making something new because it is probably something you’ve never seen before. But I will also say, I believe trends can be good sometimes and recognizing when we are all appreciating the same design or style can be a great opportunity to share your own version of that too. 

What guidance would you offer to emerging artists, particularly those interested in ceramics?

I know I would maybe hate to hear this back when I first learned to throw, but the hours and practice you put into this craft truly pays off. Even as someone who has 6 years of experience, the differences in quality each year are astronomical. Sitting at the wheel or at the handbuilding table as much as you possibly can will teach you so much. Also, unfortunately, ceramics is an expensive hobby/job that requires so many materials and equipment. Luckily the clay community is so expansive and so welcoming. Find a community studio near you and take advantage of any equipment they might offer through taking a class or running the studio even if you are a beginner. I worked my way through my school’s equipment, to a community studio, and now my own studio that provides me with kilns. I still don’t own all the equipment needed for ceramics and there’s no need to when there’s so many clay people willing to help you. 

Before we let you *almost* go, where can we find more of you?!  

I share all my new work and upcoming projects on my Instagram @sophie.ceramics! So much is coming in 2025!

Let’s Get Deep 

What’s your theme song?

180db_ [130] by Aphex Twin. I am currently experiencing the busiest season and, frankly, the busiest moment of my career, and the only way I am getting through the extremely long hours is with techno/house music. I need something steady and fast with no lyrics right now so this song basically sounds like the inside of my brain. 

Night In or Night Out?

Definitely a night out. Even during my busiest month, my latest night in the studio, I will make the time to go out and be with people. 

When do you feel most you? 

I think with my friends. Their energy feeds mine, and whenever I feel a little lost, I realize it's because I haven’t seen my friends in a long time. I have a really great group of people. 

What’s something you’re obsessed with right now? 

This is a little random, but…animal hides?! I find any sort of animal hide or leather so beautiful and inspiring. Not sure what will come of that but it is seriously on my mind all the time right now. 

Call or Text? 

I’m a texter for sure. But if you leave me a voicemail, I will call back immediately!!

When was the last time you cried? 

Oh gosh…the day I’m doing this interview. I just finished an important order that really laid on the pressure, on top of pushing myself the hardest I’ve ever pushed in my work. Now that it’s slowing down, the emotions are catching up to me. Ceramics can be so up and down, and sometimes it's hard to accept the challenges it throws at you.

When’s the last time you laughed (like a big belly laugh)? 

Last night on the couch with my roommates. They are the funniest girlies I know. 

Current favorite follow on social media? 

My jaw drops every time I open Instagram and see a post from @nikoleherriott. Incredibly talented photographer, and I am so inspired by her colors and the objects she puts together.  

Lastly, what’s one thing you would tell your 16-year-old self? 

Go at your own pace, even if that takes more time than you think. Take things slow if it needs to go slow, no need to rush!!

Find More of Sophie here:

Instagram: @sophie.copeland

Listen to Sophie’s Playlist: here

Website: sophieceramics.com