ABOUT

Hotson’s journey with clay began in her early childhood in Sydney, when a fascination with molding the earth into tangible forms took hold. Throughout her twenties and early thirties Hotson found herself continuously coming back to clay as a means of meditation, creativity and source of connection, joining local ceramic community studios wherever she was living; Bondi, Brooklyn, Bali, Byron Bay.

Hotson finds her inspiration in the intricate beauty and complexities of nature, underlining the importance of preserving our fragile environment.

In 2014, her wanderlust spirit led her to Bali, Indonesia, where she balanced managing her digital media agency, Digital Pollinators, with her fervor for ceramics. A pivotal seven-month internship at Gaya Ceramic Arts Center (GCAC) immersed her in the art of studio management, teaching beginner wheel throwing classes, and participating in atmospheric firings. Her dedication to expanding her skills saw her exchanging digital marketing consultancy for the chance to engage in international artist-led workshops at GCAC, enriching her artistic practice.

Hotson’s work is an ongoing meditation on the art of letting go. She describes herself as a conduit for life force energy, allowing it to guide her hands in transforming clay into form. By stepping aside from expectations and ideals, her creations emerge almost effortlessly, embodying a profound connection between the artist and the medium.

In 2019, Hotson’s artistic journey took her to Shiro Oni in Onishi, Japan, for her first artist residency. This experience culminated in a group exhibition featuring her Anagama wood-fired ceramics titled ‘The Harvest.’ Upon returning to Sydney, she was recognized as a Ceramics Finalist in the 2020 Muswellbrook Art Prize and began collaborating with contemporary artist Juz Kitson at The Art House Milton.

Inspired by the intricate beauty and complexities of nature, Hotson’s work is a testament to functional beauty, purpose, and individuality. Her creations reflect the harmonious, low-impact ways ancient cultures utilized natural resources. Each unique, handmade piece showcases her reverence for the immense diversity and complexity of nature, often mirroring its textures, shapes, and colours.

In 2024, Hotson was honored as a finalist in both the North Coast Ceramics Award and the SWELL Smalls Art Prize. Every piece she crafts is a labor of patience and persistence, evolving over days, weeks, or even months. They stand as tributes to the natural world, embodying her belief in the importance of environmental preservation for future generations. For Hotson, clay is more than a medium; it is a profound teacher, shaping not only her art but also her perspective on life and nature.