Ceramic natural seeds and acorns

As part of the New Forest National Park Authority’s ‘Behind the Scenes’ campaign, we visited New Forest dweller and ceramicist Rachel Palmer to discover how the New Forest influences her art and why she became a member of New Forest Marque Inspired.

Rachel Palmer molding clay garlics
Rachel molding
Griff the dog in the studio

Meet Rachel the ceramicist behind ‘Rachel Palmer Ceramics’, based at her home studio affectionately named ‘Studio Puggle’. Rachel finds inspiration during her daily walks in the fields and woods around her New Forest home in Pennington. Accompanying her on these strolls is Griff—her half-pug, half-beagle rescue dog, who, naturally, influenced the name “Puggle.” Griff (short for Gryffindor) is always by her side, sniffing and exploring. As Rachel walks, her eyes are naturally drawn to the ground to the variety of shapes and textures beneath her feet: oak leaves, beech mast, and acorns…nature’s little offerings of inspiration.

Rachel’s ceramic seed head
Rachel’s ceramic acorn

Though she’s lived in the New Forest for over 30 years, Rachel only got her hands into clay in 2018. It all started with a class taught by her friend and fellow New Forest Marque member Sally Ovenden – Just So Studio. After catching the pottery bug, she went on to develop her skills with Lyndsey Stride from Angels Farm Pottery in Lyndhurst, where she learned how to throw on the wheel.

“I’m not a natural thrower,” she says with a smile, admitting she’s more inclined to work the clay with her hands than the wheel. This approach has led to some of her most distinctive creations, like her incredibly life-like garlic cloves, where even the segments seem ready to peel apart.

Rachel’s ceramic garlic bulbs
Rachel’s ceramic garlic cloves

Last year, Rachel built her own garden studio and started creating more and more. In January 2023, she joined New Forest Marque Inspired, hoping it would push her to take her art more seriously—and it has. “It’s been so good to connect with other local artists, to have that support network,” she says, “whether it’s participating in workshops, sharing ideas, or simply being part of a community.“

This year, Rachel’s work has started to take on more focus, especially her food-themed pieces like apples, pears, and onions. 2024 has been a busy year, with Rachel showcasing her creations at various events, including the Marque Inspired Showcase at the New Forest Heritage Centre as part of Hampshire Open Studios. Currently, she is working towards exhibiting at Chalk’s Gallery in Lymington: ‘Feast for the Eyes’ will be running from 3rd October 2024 – 8th January 2025.

You can find Rachel’s website here, and follow her work on Instagram.

Rachel’s Ceramic glazed apples