Focused on functionality, minimalism and the process of slow living, Eleanor Torbati designs, forms and fires stoneware ceramics inspired by the north Norfolk landscape in her Norwich-based pottery studio.

Eleanor took an unconventional path to her ceramicist work today as she studied a BSc in Adult Nursing at the University of East Anglia in 2015. Eleanor also completed an Art & Design Foundation Year throughout her nursing training, discovering ceramics during a workshop held by mentor, good friend and talented teacher Marion Stuart. 

In 2020 Eleanor acquired a studio based in Norwich city, with large industrial crittall windows and a poured concrete floor, which became the perfect environment to develop a collection of work. Light often floods the studio, which conveniently aids the drying process.

Inevitably, Eleanor’s creative philosophy balances the challenges of working in nursing as each piece focusses on slow living in everyday life- specifically invoking the method of stopping to breathe, reflect, and enjoy the ceramic process and outcome. Her functional and minimalistic style weaves into this philosophy.

Almost all of Eleanor’s work is wheel thrown, a very therapeutic way of forming clay into new shapes and designs. Most of her tools, like her work are functional: metal wires, steel trimming tools and wooden ribs being used to shape and cut into her pieces. Eleanor’s work process feels organic and the products certainly reflect this.