Louise Ostara
As a mature student, I pursued a Fine Art degree at Howard Gardens, Cardiff University, where I specialized in Sculpture under the mentorship of acclaimed tutors Dave Shepherd and Harvey Hood.
After earning my degree, I pursued a PGCE in Art & Design, which is where I met my husband, a talented professional potter. Shortly after, I began my teaching career in Fairwater, Cardiff. While managing the demands of teaching and raising a family, my husband was offered a Head of Art teaching position, which led us to relocate from Cardiff to Ellesmere in Shropshire. This move became a turning point in my life, as it was then that I uncovered a deep passion for ceramics.
Determined to pursue this newfound love, I transitioned from teaching to focus entirely on honing my craft. I immersed myself in learning, combining self-taught techniques with knowledge gained from specialized workshops with Annie Peaker Ceramics. Over time, I began designing and selling distinctive ceramic sculptures, merging creativity with the skills I cultivated along the way.
My love for art extended beyond creation; I managed and ran two galleries—Quirky Art Ceramics in Ellesmere and Quirky Art Studio Gallery in Llangollen—where I supported local and professional artists while continuing to develop my own skills.
Throughout my artistic journey, I found myself drawn to sculpting hares, often referred to by my customers as “the hare lady.” Many would return to purchase a companion for their existing hare sculpture.
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.