The Maker Series: Jedda Purchase

Introducing our maker series, where we spend time with local artists and creatives exploring their craft, creative practice and highlighting localised communities.

We recently visited ceramicist Jedda Purchase in her Byron Bay studio to learn more about all things tactile, and how she managed to turn her love for clay into a full-time career.

Raised in a nurturing and multifaceted creative household in the Northern Rivers, it seemed instinctual that Jedda Purchase would follow a similar path. “I grew up in a very creative family—my dad shaped boards, worked in graphic design, and played guitar in a few bands, while my mum sewed, painted, and baked,” she says. “I’ve always had strong support to explore any creative interest that caught my attention.”

Once such interest was make-up, and at 17, Jedda made the bold move to leave school and found her own beauty business. “I’m a good employee, but I’m an even better boss; it’s just in my blood,” she explains. Despite finding success in this venture, she found herself yearning for something different, and after four years, she chose to step away from the beauty industry.

Like many others, Jedda’s career pivot came to fruition during the Covid pandemic – a time of great reflection and introspection for the creative. Feeling a strong desire to connect with mother nature, Jedda began dabbling with pottery, a hobby that she soon managed to turn into a business. “Pottery came into my life at just the right time,” she says. “I moved to a new town, changed my career path, and have been working with clay ever since.”

Opting to name her ceramics brand Jedda Clay, Jedda’s work is defined by clean lines, subtle curves and natural tones, all of which evoke a sense of effortless simplicity when styled throughout the home. While her inspiration doesn’t come from one particular medium, she references travel as one of her key sources. “[Travelling] creates space and time for me to think and brainstorm shapes and ideas in my mind,” she says, “I always come back feeling refreshed and ready to dive into all the creations I've been thinking about. Inspiration is everywhere—shapes and forms are all around us if you just take a moment to look.”

Now based full-time in Byron Bay, Jedda feels she has found her creative haven. “I've been based in Byron Bay for a year now, and I truly feel at home here, with my closest friends and family close by,” she says. As a hub for many small businesses and fellow makers, she has been overwhelmed by the support she has received thus far, “It’s such a motivating community to be a part of.”

When she’s not working on her own pieces, Jedda also teaches weekly clay classes for Byron Bay locals who are keen to learn the pottery trade. “I teach the three main hand building techniques and demonstrate what can be created with each. After that, students have the freedom to make whatever they like,” she says. For Jedda, having a platform to share her skills and knowledge with other aspiring creatives is a particularly fulfilling part of her job. “Hosting these weekly classes is such a wonderful way to meet new people in the community, share stories, laugh, enjoy some wine, and play with clay—it’s the perfect evening.”

Her ceramics range from mugs –a customer favourite– to lighting and furniture, with each piece reflective of her growing expertise. “I love making sculptures and vases because they give me the freedom—both mentally and physically—to create fun, unique shapes,” she explains. While customer demand often requires her to make the same pieces, Jedda is always focused on expanding her offering – creating new and interesting forms that she hopes others will love too. “I’m always striving to make bigger pieces, which is such an exciting process,” she says.

Jedda’s journey is a reminder that creative paths are rarely linear. From working in beauty to making ceramics, her story is one of exploration, reinvention, and finding joy in the tactile nature of making.

A selection of pieces from Jedda Clay are available in Assembly Label stores and online now.

Photography by Leif Prenzlau