Natalie Sims Rees – The Dancing Potter

How would you describe your business? 

I make pottery inspired by all things dance and nature 

 

Tell us about the story behind why you started your business and the journey to where you are today. 

After studying ceramics at A Level I left to pursue my dancing career, performing on stages around the world including cruise ships and the famous Cabaret “Moulin Rouge” in Paris where I spent many years wearing wonderful costumes and performing the CanCan. Very difficult to slip bags of clay in your handbag so pottery got pushed to the side. Until I met my wife, gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl and moved back to Derby where Sarah encouraged me to get back into clay. Covid hit, the entertainment industry closed down so having time on my hands to pot was amazing. I found a local course and cracked on – everything came flooding back… 6 years later I successfully applied to be on The Great Pottery Throw Down, Series 8. Not only did I get on the show, but I made it to the final!…who would have thought… so with the little bit of pottery confidence I gained I have taken a bit of a leap. Halving my swim teaching hours to become “The Dancing Potter”.  

Did you study at any Universities? 

I didn’t go to University, the only thing I wanted to do was dance, now the only thing I want to do is pot, so let’s see.  

 

How have the University of Derby’s services supported your business?  

I am very new to the University of Derby and so I’m hoping to take advantage of as many learning possibilities as possible  

How will being based at Banks Mill help your business?  

Having recently moved into Banks Mill, I already feel massively inspired just by being surrounded by these incredible artists.  

 

What other experience/support or training do you have that’s relevant to what you’re doing now?  

A at A Level Ceramics (many years ago). Just having a creative outlet is super important to me – following on from my Dance career, I love clay.  

So, what are you working on in your new studio? 

I am sculpting one of my Cancan girls figurines, flower vases and double gourds and preparing for the “Celebrating Ceramics” Fair in July.  

Tell us a bit about your work, what are the techniques you use and how long a piece of work might take you to create.  

I am mainly a hand builder, but since doing the throw down I have a newfound love for throwing. My “ladies” can take from 2 full days to a week to sculpt, that is without drying time or decoration. I like to take my time, ceramics doesn’t work to well under pressure.  

 

What are your plans for your business for the next 12 months? 

I want to become a better potter myself and share and sell my pieces. I also want to define my brand and showcase my work under the name the “Dancing Potter”.