Olivia Walker

Olivia Walker first began working with clay in 2010, taking a summer job in a local craft shop after completing her history degree in Edinburgh. Handling and selling ceramics sparked a passion for the material and its possibilities. In 2012, she pursued a full-time career in ceramics after receiving an Arts and Humanities Research Council studentship to study for a master’s degree in Contemporary Craft at the University for the Creative Arts. During this time, she apprenticed with renowned potter and writer Julian Stair. From these foundations, Olivia developed her distinctive style and unique body of work, which is now exhibited in galleries and shows across the UK and internationally.

Olivia’s work explores organic and decaying forms through the intricate layering of complex surfaces. Working with both vessel forms and larger wall pieces, she examines contrasts in material and form—rough versus smooth, straight lines against imperfect ones, complete shapes alongside collapsed forms. Her inspiration often comes from natural elements, such as the underside of mushrooms or the slate formations of nearby cliffs.

Olivia’s studio is situated on the southern edge of Dartmoor National Park, where she and her team handcraft every piece, bringing her vision to life through meticulous craftsmanship.