Empty Vessels is the atelier of ceramic artist Jeni Westcott, based in Montalembert in the Poitou-Charente. Jeni and her husband Andy moved to France in April of this year. They decided to make a change in their life; Jeni changed career from IT Manager to her long term art interest, and Andy gave up arable farming in Rural Buckinghamshire to become a builder here. They moved into what was their holiday home (and major renovation project for two years previous)… it is still a renovation project! Moving to start up a ceramic workshop meant some more serious project work on the atelier-to-be, and a derelict “spare house” has now been converted to a large, light and airy pottery, also home to PJ the new ginger kitten.

Jeni produces a range of ceramic work in earthenware, stoneware and porcelain fired in an electric kiln. Particularly, the two most popular items are her commissioned handmade or hand painted tiles, which can be matched to other items in your décor such as a painting, wallpaper or a fabric to produce a unique design feel to your home, and also her sculpted one-off house plaques decorated with your choice of items, flowers, birds or anything that makes it special for you. These make fantastic special gifts for friends and family. Unique one-off handmade items are not as expensive as many imagine, with painted tiles starting from as little as 5 euros per tile, and plaques from 65 euros. Creation of these items can take from two weeks to up to 6 weeks, depending on complexity and drying time. Jeni welcomes visits from customers to discuss potential work and their exact needs.

Jeni also creates unique ceramic sculpture and sculptural vessels e.g. vases, bowls and platters, and these can be seen on her website, www.emptyvessels.eu or by appointment at the atelier. These are a great way to own a unique piece of art at a reasonable price.