Five Minutes with... Ashlee Hopkins

Ashlee Hopkins, 2024, Photo: Leah Menner of Sunday Studio

We sit down with ceramic artist and JamFactory alumnae Ashlee Hopkins to discuss her experience running a ceramic studio, the creative challenges she faces, and the artistic goals that drive her work.

Can you tell us a little about your background and your studio?

My foray into ceramics took place just over 10 years ago now. I had been studying music at the Conservatorium when a repetitive strain injury derailed my career plans. Instead I found myself studying a Bachelor of Visual Art at UniSA and applying the same rigorous training techniques to my wheel throwing elective homework that I’d been using for a decade as a flute player. Somewhere in the midst of trying to keep a reasonably good GPA in a subject that I thought I had no interest in I found myself obsessed with this new medium. I then specialised in Ceramics, went on to complete the JamFactory’s Associate Training Program and worked in a few studios across the state. After 10 years it really felt like time to open my own studio - one that wasn’t in my garage - so that I could focus in on my practice and take my business more seriously.

Your studio is a place where visitors can see your works on display and shop. How important is it for you to share your workspace with the public? What does this interaction bring to your practice?

I was in my new studio for 6 months before I realised I should be opening the doors to the public more regularly. Weekly opening hours have brought routine to my week (super helpful as a self employed artist working alone). But they’ve also brought beautiful connection to the local community that orbit in the spaces around my studio. Some people duck their head in for a quick look, some stay longer to ask questions. Some locals even visit weekly to check in on me. It was rather uncomfortable at first to open my space and let people in - the anxiety of wondering what they thought of my work and whether the floor was clean enough - but it’s been surprisingly joyful to form fleeting and longer lasting connections through my studio doors.

“It’s some sort of roller coaster that I’ve gotten better at riding - different parts of the year provide space for different focuses and I try to not get too caught up in the parts that are missing as I know they’ll return before long.”

How do you balance the creative aspect of your work with the practical demands of running a business?

Sometimes I feel like I’m not spending enough time running my business. Sometimes I feel like I’m not getting enough creative time in. It’s some sort of roller coaster that I’ve gotten better at riding - different parts of the year provide space for different focuses and I try to not get too caught up in the parts that are missing as I know they’ll return before long. Knowing that my business is what supports my creative practice is good fuel to keep going through the monotonous parts - I’d much prefer to be spending my time working in my studio on the less enjoyable parts than working for someone else in a role that feels less in line with my goals.

What are your long-term goals for your studio?

I want my studio to continue reflecting my creative visions. And for people to feel like they can step through the doors and find something that resonates with them - whether it’s the feeling of the space or a particular pot that grabs their attention. And I’d love to spend more time with early-career potters who want to start tuning into studio skills and sensibilities that will set them up for successful long-term careers.

What advice would you give to someone considering opening their own ceramic studio?

I really think that if you want it you can make it happen. I started with no money or business skills but I knew that this is what I wanted to do with my life. I immersed myself in it (probably a little too much for a while there) and I learnt as much as I could from other potters and studios. There were many years where it all felt pointless and like I’d never ‘break through’. But I just kept showing up and bit by bit it came together. Start small and chip away at things … but when the time is right you’ll need to take a deep breath and make some big moves that will exhaust you but pay off long into your future.