A childhood spent immersed in South Africa’s natural landscapes has profoundly shaped Carmen’s ceramics. Experiencing nature as both powerful and fragile, she conveys these contrasts by transforming dense clay into light, fluid, and dynamic forms.

At the heart of Carmen’s practice is a challenge to conventional ideas about everyday objects. She explores the relationship between material, balance, and function, encouraging deeper engagement with her work.

Her pieces draw inspiration from nature’s movement and textures—from flowing water and shifting shadows to the organic curves of foliage. By creating objects for outdoor use, such as garden lanterns, she fosters a closer connection to the natural world. Her work spans a range of forms, including large serving platters, mugs, vases, and brooches.

In her home studio in Bournemouth, Carmen employs hand-building techniques like slab-building and coiling, crafting functional objects with a sculptural essence. Fired to stoneware temperatures in an electric kiln, her ceramics achieve both strength and durability.