Meet the Maker: Caroline Storer

From Illustration to Clay – A Journey of Joyful Making

Nestled in by the river, in Huntingtower near Perth, Caroline has carved out a creative life that blends craft making with storytelling. A self-taught potter, her signature style features whimsical animal figures perched on lidded pots, a playful twist that has captured the hearts of her growing audience.

Caroline’s journey into ceramics began in an unexpected way. Formerly a children’s book illustrator, she found herself searching for something therapeutic during the 2020 lockdown while undergoing cancer treatment. “I just wanted something calming,” she recalls. “I started teaching myself pottery through YouTube videos in my parents’ garage, and I fell in love with it. What began as therapy quickly became an obsession, and now a career.”

Her work is deeply personal, shaped by her life in Scotland. Caroline and her husband first met in the Middle East, but when they decided to settle down, they chose Scotland for its beauty and sense of belonging. “We got married at Huntingtower Castle, and now we live just steps away from where we celebrated our wedding,” she says. “This area is my happy place, the mountains, the sea, and all the memories tied to it.”

Caroline predominantly works with stoneware clay, chosen for its durability and suitability for functional pieces like mugs and plates. Her background in illustration gives her ceramics a distinctive character. “I wanted to bring illustration into pottery in a way I hadn’t seen before,” she explains. “It’s my own style, maybe not traditional, but it works for me.”

Influenced by makers like Florian Gadsby, Caroline values the openness and honesty of the craft community. “Seeing someone smash imperfect pieces is refreshing,” she laughs. “It reminds you that mistakes are part of the process, even when the outcome looks so perfect.”

Despite occasional imposter syndrome, Caroline embraces her identity as a ceramicist. “I love what I do, and people seem to love it too,” she says. “Even if no one bought my work, I’d still make it because it brings me joy. Turning this passion into a career feels incredible.”

That career milestone came recently when Caroline left her job in pupil support at a secondary school to focus on pottery full-time. “My goal now is to keep growing, take on more commissions, and make this sustainable,” she says.

Her advice for beginners? “Practice, practice, practice! My first pots were shocking! I did manage to make circles, and I was thrilled about that. But don’t worry about perfection; focus on finding your own style.”

Joining the Perthshire Artisans network was a turning point for Caroline. “I applied at the last minute, not thinking I’d get in,” she admits. “Being accepted gave me confidence and helped me feel less isolated. The community is amazing; supportive, inspiring, and full of people who understand the highs and lows of creative life.”

Perthshire Artisans’ exhibitions have also pushed her creativity further. “They’ve encouraged me to make pieces that feel truly special,” she says. “For the summer exhibition, I made two pots that went viral on social media. If it weren’t for that exhibition, I probably wouldn’t have pushed myself to make them.”

Working within the UK’s first and only UNESCO City of Craft adds another layer of pride. “Everyone knows what UNESCO is, so being part of something with that name attached feels really special,” Caroline says.

Above all, Caroline wants her work to bring joy. “I want people to smile when they see my pottery,” she says. “Not everything has to be cute, but it should feel fun and uplifting. That’s what matters to me.”