Iona May Stock bright functional and sculptural ceramic pieces explore lichens as inspiration, which can be observe in her local rural area. Thrown in stoneware sodium silicate is added to encourage controlled crackling across the surface, printed bright coloured slips in circular motifs reference the fruiting bodies of lichens, particularly Xanathoria parietina. Crawling and bubbling glazes introuce bursts of colour and texture, visually linking each piece to the rich surfaces and hues of lichens. When lichens are wet they are very soft and squishy, on some pieces this has been embodied through needle felted and embroidered textiles. 
 

Lichens are not a single plant, but a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi so closely interwoven they appear as one, Iona has combined ceramics and textiles to recreate this relationship. Her pieces encourage people to become more environmentally aware yet also to explore ideas about relationships, the vulnerability and resilience. 

Bringing joyful art into your everyday is a fundamental value at IMS Ceramics, creating pieces that are lovely to use and beautiful. 

Iona's love for playing with clay started at a young age playing in the banks of rivers making fairy homes. After her first go on the wheel she then went onto do a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Design Crafts at York College and then onto University of Sunderland gaining a first class degree with honours in Glass and Ceramics. Graduating in 2020 she set up her studio


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