Creativity is sacred and it’s shared. It’s not an activity, although it’s often outworked through movement and flow. Creativity is as much about the process as it is any outcome. It looks entirely different for every person, which is why it’s so captivating to be given a glimpse into another’s creative world.
For Noosa-based ceramic sculptural artist, Tess Miller, finding her way into the world of sculpture and ceramics was unexpected, yet as natural as the clay itself. She never imagined herself working with her hands, much less clay, but describes her affinity with the medium as “familiar” and now finds herself creating pieces both timeless and distinctive.
This month on the Wholehearted Journal, we’re excited to launch The Creatives Series, where we’ll be hearing from local artisans about their craft and learning how they found themselves doing what they love.
Creative Direction, Styling & Production by Wholehearted Studio
Introduce yourself to us, what's your name and what do you do?
My name is Tess Miller. I’m a ceramic sculptural artist, working out of my home studio in Noosa, Queensland on Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi country. My passion is to create one-of-a-kind timeless pieces for your home.
Tell us more about what you do, why you do it, and how you like to work?
As a sculptural artist, feeling and movement play a huge role in how I create. I’d say my process is based on intuitive play, combining traditional techniques with modern experimentation. My pieces embrace movement, and my hope is that they would bring a touch of earthly magic to your home.
This intuitive process of pushing and playing allows me to discover new forms and outcomes that would otherwise not have been realised. I think of it like a dance between control and surrender, where I’ve learnt to work with the clay’s natural tendencies and quirks. Through years of doing this ‘dance’, a relationship has been formed between myself and the clay.
Can you share a bit about your background and how you came to find yourself in the ceramics space?
I never would have imagined myself being a ceramic sculptural artist. I’ve always been creative; I remember painting and drawing a lot as a child. I have also always loved playing with clay. But I suppose, like many kids, I let my creative expression take a backseat to explore other career paths—ultimately leading me to the Tourism and Events industry.
I studied this and enjoyed working in this space, but after returning to Australia in 2019 having done a stint living and working overseas, I applied for a bunch of roles in this field and didn’t receive one job offer! I felt flat and confused about my future and ended up enrolling in a Visual Arts course which almost instantly ignited something in me that felt real and natural. I knew the minute I touched clay, I was hooked and I fell deeply in love.
Not long into my art studies, we went into lock down. I remember dragging slabs of clay home in the boot of my car and setting up a makeshift studio in my garage. During this tense and isolating time, I leant hard into my craft. I discovered the connection between the embodied process of clay and the physical relationship between my body’s movement and what I was creating. My movement translated to sculptural form. I realised I could create pieces that were organic and familiar—yet deeply mystical.
It was during this introspective season that I created a series called ‘Broods of Families’. These pieces underwent a transformation: up from the earth, fortified in the alchemy of fire, and born into and returned to the natural world. This process was beguiling and I loved playing a part in the transformation.
Can you tell us a little about Tess Miller—from the early days of starting your business to it recently becoming a full-time endeavour?
In the early days of my business, I was merely creating. It was a newfound passion and much of what I was making was for my own enjoyment and pleasure. I never considered that the pieces I was creating were things people would like, much less pay money for.
My works come from a very personal place. I don’t like to dictate the meaning of each piece. Rather, I enjoy hearing how others interpret and experience them. If their experience aligns with mine, that’s cool. But I’m always excited to hear how others experience my pieces differently—ways that are unique to them.
Throughout the past few years through the growth of Tess Miller, I’ve learned I’m far more capable than I give myself credit. The range and scope of emotions I experience can be translated to my works, and each piece is deeply personal and reflective of an experience or emotion I’ve processed or am processing at the time.
Each piece my hands create tells the story of the place from which it’s been formed. Working full-time in this space means I can dedicate more time and energy to my process and this is both exciting and empowering.
What does your creative process look like? What do you struggle with in this process?
The creative process for me comes down to rest and stillness. Time is a pervious thing, but I find when I have space to sit with all the ideas and emotions I’m thinking and feeling, then I’m able to connect with something in me that needs to be birthed.
Much of my process involves play. It’s from this playfulness that I’m able to create different forms and functional pieces. I’m always looking for balance in my work and life, but in all I do, I never compromise having fun. I believe fun and playfulness lead to connection and clarity with self. I also find inspiration in everyday moments and interactions. Through rest and playfulness and movement and connection, I’m able to form pieces that tell a story and feel familiar yet magical.
The thing I struggle with is finding balance between taking time for me and feeling pressure to create meaningful work. Like any artist, I feel like I could play and create all day in the studio, but I realise I need to set goals and meet deadlines. When I’m in my flow, time becomes impermanent; I forget about the rest of the world and often it’s well into the evening and I haven’t even thought about dinner.
What does being a creative mean to you?
I hear people say they’re not creative or can’t be creative. I believe we’re all creative and to be human is to be creative. You don’t have to be an artist to be creative. Sometimes, we stop connecting with our creative self and that makes us feel tired and lifeless. But when we take time to reengage that part of us, it’s beautiful and worthwhile.
“Being creative is living intentionally with joy and love.” - Tess Miller
How would you describe your design aesthetic?
I create sculptures and functional pieces for interior spaces that aim to echo a connectedness to the natural world. These objects are formed through a mystical yet natural process; up from the earth, through the fire, then rebirthed—and my hope is that each of my works would carry a sense of wonder because of this.
What would your dream creative project look like?
Right now, my focus is to keep taking risks and pushing boundaries of my practice to see what I’m capable of. I would love to work on larger scale public art sculptures in stone or bronze. The idea of using other materials to create beautifully imperfect forms that can be share and loved by the wider community and appreciated every day really excites me.
What are you working on next?
I am currently working on my next solo exhibition. I am exploring the openness and impact of larger forms—which comes with its challenges but is also really exciting. I’ve also been working on a lamp collection which I’m loving and look forward to releasing later this year.
