Ceramic Head — Inspired by Sutton Hoo
By Cathy D’Arcy
About Cathy
Cathy D’Arcy creates ceramic figures and vessels that emerge instinctively from her imagination, guided by curiosity, humour, and a deep enjoyment of the making process. Working primarily with earthstone clay, she decorates each piece using a range of techniques including engobes, underglaze colours, and layered glazes, often combined with varied firing methods to create depth and surface interest.
Natural variations in colour, texture, and surface are an essential part of Cathy’s process; no two pieces are ever the same. Each work is entirely individual, bearing the unique marks of hand, material, and fire.
Read more about Cathy D’Arcy
Cathy D'Arcy 'Ceramic Head'
Maker: Cathy D'Arcy
This striking, one-off ceramic head by local potter Cathy D’Arcy draws inspiration from the enigmatic ceremonial masks of Sutton Hoo, reimagined through Cathy’s distinctive, playful lens. With its elongated form, star-like markings, and gently knowing expression, the piece feels both ancient and alive—part artefact, part character born entirely from imagination.
Hand-built in earthstone clay, the surface is richly decorated using a combination of engobes, underglaze colours, and layered glaze techniques, creating depth, texture, and subtle contrast across the form. Incised details and dotted motifs reward close looking, while the calm expression and tall silhouette give the work a quiet, confident presence.
Cathy’s practice is guided by intuition and humour—she creates figures that emerge straight from her imagination and make her laugh as she works. That spirit is felt here: serious in its craftsmanship, but lightened by warmth and personality.
As a unique, one-off piece, this sculptural head stands beautifully on its own, ideal as a focal point on a shelf, plinth, or console table.
Handmade in Sudbury, Suffolk, England.
Sold individually.Details
• Height: 303 mm
• Width: 140 mm
• Base: 100 mm x 100 mm
• Material: Earthstone clayOne of a kind. Handcrafted. Unrepeatable.
