Marika Du Plessis

I am Marika, a ceramist and artist  based in Northampton. Being born and educated in South Africa, the UK has been my home for more than 15 years. I teach Art at a local Secondary School and all my spare time goes into developing my ceramics skills at my home studio. Four years ago I picked up my first piece of clay and fell in love with the creative process and was truly hooked from day one. It has been a lifelong dream of mine (which always seemed just out of reach) to have my own studio and it was the misfortune of the first lockdown that ignited the opportunity for me to follow my heart, press on and set it up.  This has fundamentally changed the direction of my life but the exciting journey has only just begun. 

My primary passion is working with stoneware & terracotta clay and my work reflects my keen interest in beautiful homewares, flowers and delicate lace. I create a wide variety of intricate platters, bowls, cups and vases. Also hanging decorations, quirky shabby sheek animal figurines and artistic necklaces. My art is colourful, vibrant and a lot of fun to celebrate life and love.

My mother was a florist and through her work, I developed a love and a bit of an obsession for flowers. I often take our beloved dog for walks in the countryside and collect wildflowers which is used to impress shapes into my platters and vases. All my work is hand built to a very high standard which is rather time consuming but it brings me great satisfaction to see each creation completed. 

I welcome any opportunity to make bespoke commissions and it brings me great joy to see my customers appreciate and enjoy their one-of-a-kind purchases. I have an Etsy store and frequently sell at craft fairs.