Made: Maker of the Week

Suet Yi Yip is a ceramicist based in Nottingham. She produces work with a simplistic charm.

Where did you train? What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?
I trained at Nottingham Trent University. I learnt the use of different materials including wood, glass, clay, metal and resin in a degree course called Decorative Arts. If there is something I wish the uni had taught me, it would be the EQ I need to deal with art as a business. Is it something inherited or something we can learn? I dunno.

Is being a designer / maker your only job?

Yes, it is my only job at the moment. Before this, I worked in Hong Kong as an Art tutor (part-time) for 4 years, a shipping clerk for 1.5 years, a secretary for 5 months and an English teacher for 1.5 years. It’s a lovely blend of life experience more than work experience to me.

One favourite living designer?

Laura Baxter. Her work has warmth, which I don’t usually feel with other jewellery.

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
The work placement for Katrin Moye. It made what I like and who I am today.

What item of design / craft do you covet most?

Shoes from Belle & Sofa in Japan. It’s not easy to find comfortable and beautiful shoes but Belle & Sofa has done a great job. Their shoes have characters through which people can see the greatness of craftsmanship. I’ve got a pair of casual shoes, now saving up to get another pair from them.

At age 16 who most influenced your style?

Nobody. It’s a dark age for me. I was lost in realistic-style watercolour paintings over that period of time.