Considerations about the older female ceramicist

The issue of aging is ever present in our society. We are bombarded with anti-aging advice, products and images of women looking decades below their age. We live in a culture where youthfulness  is highly valued, and it can require a robust self-confidence not to feel undermined as an older woman.  I feel this more keenly as I approach 70. (I do not undervalue the effects also on the male gender as well but will stick to what I know.)

The craft sector in the UK is thriving despite the economic downturn due to the tenacity of craftspeople. Crafts Council estimate approx. 150,000 people were employed in craft sector July 2023-June 2024. Many more women are starting up small business utilising online and in person markets and fairs. However, it can be difficult to sustain a business, especially when age is factored in. 

“The creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of many women can be stifled…….

Many women juggle family responsibilities, societal expectations, and financial constraints, leaving little time to hone their craft or explore new opportunities.”

Artfullinspirations.com.

50% more women than men drop out of employment as they approach retirement age. There are many reasons for this but undoubtedly opportunities decrease with age.

In contrast, other cultures such as the Japanese, venerate age for it’s wisdom and life experience. Japanese ceramics are often prized for their rugged worn textures, crackled raku pots and vessels made by hand with time-honed skills and dedication. The sabi aesthetic pervades our own ceramics too, valuing the “passage of time and subsequent deterioration”.

Bizen ware

My own ceramic practice for the past 25 years has been throwing porcelain – tall skinny standing forms formed by joining two thrown sections and wide-open bowls -inspired by mountains. A few years ago, facing up to signs of wear and tear on the body, this became unsustainable  - change was necessary. After an initial period of despondency (what to do now?) I realised I’d always had a hankering to make more sculptural work and embarked on a new path slab building  tall obelisk forms.  Lighter work – less crouching over a wheel, less strain on the body. Slab building is now  a significant part of the work, thrown forms are more often altered with additions of thin slivers of porcelain, vessels are more sculptural. It’s been an exciting catalyst for new work.  

throwing bowls

Ceramicists tend to be resourceful, maybe less influenced by society’s emphasis on youth, and consistently resilient.   Many potters continue creating impressive traditional or innovative work well into retirement age.  British ceramics celebrates female potters since the pioneering Lucie Rie. Women such as Alison Britton and Jane Hamlyn to name just a couple, have been at the forefront of British ceramics.  I see a fairly even split of the genders at ceramic shows. Perhaps we are bucking the trend of invisibility in older women and recognise the contribution to be had from female potters who have spent years crafting their work and value their wisdom. Maybe society will catch up?

Glacier shallow bowl

C