Sonya Wilkins

“Observing the transitioning beauty of leaves and trees never ceases to inspire my collections”

Sonya first qualified in BA (Hons) Ceramics in 1995 at Bristol, Bower Ashton. Her love of clay never left her, even whilst pursuing a career in people development, holistic therapies and starting a family. By 2007 her Son and Daughter became students at the same school where Sonya was first taught pottery, and she was asked to take the role of Art Technician and Ceramics Specialist; Clifton High School had offered a moment of serendipity that would foster her future career in ceramics.

After several years of teaching, she decided to focus on her passion full time, and having always been drawn to the healing power of nature, it was time to combine leaves with clay. In 2020 Sonya’s pond lily leaf dishes were used by Niall Keating, Executive Chef at Whatley Manor on BBC2’s ‘The Great British Menu’. Then the following year, Sonya and her work were featured on ITV’s ‘Love Your Weekend’ hosted by Alan Titchmarsh. Her practise continues to grow from strength to strength with her work being exhibited nationally and her unique pieces being sold internationally.

Recently, Sonya has gained a Masters in Fine Art (Ceramics) at Bath Spa University, answering the question ‘Can Ceramic Vessels Become Activators For Well-Being’. As a consequence, her research practise has found her making vessels within natural recesses in the earth, foraging wild clays, fusing them in layers and creating a distinctive visual language through the use of leaf stencils, oxides, slips and sgraffito techniques. This process has manifested an authentic alliance with Mother Nature. In many ways, Sonya has become nature’s translator.

Qualified as a Reiki Master Teacher, Sonya infuses her pieces with Universal Life Force Energy, giving them the potential to be used as conduits for healing, contemplation vessels and harmonising tools. Her hope is that you are reminded of the healing power of nature when you hold or use a vessel, even to gaze upon one in your home will transport you back to the haven of the forest.