hai Mia Kingsley
This week, Hai Society, we'd like to introduce you to our wonderful friend, and emerging ceramicist, Mia Kingsley. Mia is a London based artist, with a colourful creative past, having worked as a set dresser and baker, before deciding to focus the majority of her talents on ceramic design and making. With delicately hand-pinched pottery featuring textures and colours that feels connected to nature, Mia manages to ground her work in the Earth and environment.
Ahead of her pieces featuring in group show, MADE, at London's Morley Gallery next week, Mia shares a snapshot of herself, her practise and her day out with her new Little Hai Bag!
Hi... or should we say Hai!
Hello!
What do you do?
I am a ceramic artist, I play with clay.
Where do you call home?
I was born in London but for me, home is where the heart is.
What are the biggest inspirations to your work?
I find my work is often influenced by natural forms such as moss, coral, water ripples and bacteria. Manipulating clay to mimic these textures is a process I am really enjoying at the moment.
Also, I recently fell in love with Noguchi since attending his Barbican exhibition. That was a real dream. And Lucie Rie too, she is a magician.
Can you recall your dream job as a child?
Astronaut.
Dogs or cats?
Dogs forever. Although I’d like to honour two cats in my life - Lulu & Mandalino, the most affectionate creatures with the softest bellies.
A film that you could watch every day and never get tired of?
This is a hard one for me. I work at The Rio Cinema on occasion. Having a close relationship to film is something I value immensely. I’ll have to write you a list some time.
Important question, lipstick or lipgloss?
Both! A dab of lipstick with gloss on top.
Favourite restaurant in the world?
My Dad’s kitchen.
Who would play you in the movie about your life?
Me of course, directed by Sofia Coppola.
What’s your most treasured possession?
My memories.
If you had to eat one breakfast food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pancakes.
Favourite vintage/second hand store in the world?
The Haggerston Pub jumble sale, a friend and I organise them seasonally - they are great! The best bargains.
Any ambitions for 2022?
To teach pottery. I’d like to encourage others to explore the endless possibilities of clay. It’s such a forgiving art form and is truly therapeutic.
Where are you going to take your Hai bag next?
To Lisbon! I can’t wait to explore the city with a Pastel de Nata in one hand & my little lemon Hai in the other!
Hi... or should we say Hai!
Hello!
What do you do?
I am a ceramic artist, I play with clay.
Where do you call home?
I was born in London but for me, home is where the heart is.
What are the biggest inspirations to your work?
I find my work is often influenced by natural forms such as moss, coral, water ripples and bacteria. Manipulating clay to mimic these textures is a process I am really enjoying at the moment.
Also, I recently fell in love with Noguchi since attending his Barbican exhibition. That was a real dream. And Lucie Rie too, she is a magician.
Can you recall your dream job as a child?
Astronaut.
Dogs or cats?
Dogs forever. Although I’d like to honour two cats in my life - Lulu & Mandalino, the most affectionate creatures with the softest bellies.
A film that you could watch every day and never get tired of?
This is a hard one for me. I work at The Rio Cinema on occasion. Having a close relationship to film is something I value immensely. I’ll have to write you a list some time.
Important question, lipstick or lipgloss?
Both! A dab of lipstick with gloss on top.
Favourite restaurant in the world?
My Dad’s kitchen.
Who would play you in the movie about your life?
Me of course, directed by Sofia Coppola.
What’s your most treasured possession?
My memories.
If you had to eat one breakfast food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pancakes.
Favourite vintage/second hand store in the world?
The Haggerston Pub jumble sale, a friend and I organise them seasonally - they are great! The best bargains.
Any ambitions for 2022?
To teach pottery. I’d like to encourage others to explore the endless possibilities of clay. It’s such a forgiving art form and is truly therapeutic.
Where are you going to take your Hai bag next?
To Lisbon! I can’t wait to explore the city with a Pastel de Nata in one hand & my little lemon Hai in the other!