Born in Boston, Lincolnshire, and raised in Stoke-on-Trent, Jasmine Simpson is an artist with deep roots in her heritage. She grew up surrounded by Staffordshire’s rich ceramic tradition, which has heavily influenced her work.
Jasmine developed a passion for three-dimensional design and ceramics early on. She earned her BA from Staffordshire University in 2014 and gained valuable experience working as a technical consultant and studio manager for well-known artisans like Reiko Kaneko, Paul Cummins, and Flexx Lexx. She also taught at Valentine Clays, Middleport Pottery, and Staffordshire University.
Jasmine’s work has been showcased in prestigious exhibitions such as MADE Bloomsbury and the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair. Her journey continued at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London, where she pursued further studies in ceramics and glass, supported by a Griffin Scholarship. At the RCA, Jasmine’s creativity thrived, and she collaborated with Waddesdon Manor on tableware designs. She also participated in a residency at Taoxichuan in Jingdezhen, China, as part of the RCA’s China project, graduating in 2020.
Elle Decoration named her one of the “9 New Female Designers to Know,” Ceramic Review listed her among the ‘Ten to Watch’ before she finished at the RCA. Her achievements were further highlighted when she was selected as one of the AWARD artists at the British Ceramics Biennial in 2023.
Now, Jasmine works from her studio in Stoke-on-Trent, where she creates sculptures that often feature animals, imbuing them with deeper meanings. She continues to exhibit her work across the UK and internationally.
Visit Jasmine Simpson’s website and Instagram page.
Featured work
Selected works, 2022-2024
My creative journey begins in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent, amidst the echoes of industrial heritage. I am compelled to explore human existence through the lens of the natural world, using animals as my muse and potent metaphors to convey the intricacies of our shared experience.
Through the poised stance of a majestic hound or the tender gaze of a nurturing mother, I aim to evoke a sense of empathy and introspection. The creatures I sculpt embody universal emotions, inviting the viewer to delve into their own reservoirs of feelings and memories. The creatures that inhabit my canvases are not mere subjects, but emissaries of emotion, carriers of universal truths. Through them, I delve into the depths of human nature, unraveling threads of vulnerability, strength, and resilience.
I am drawn to the enduring symbolism of animals: their grace, power, and vulnerability. Ultimately, my work celebrates the enduring power of clay, the timeless wisdom of the animal kingdom, and the unbreakable thread that weaves us all. Using animals as a metaphor, I aim to spark conversations, stir emotions, and ignite a sense of unity in the shared experience of life.
