19/10/26

For River Ball, working with clay offers a meaningful way to express their thoughts and the detailed way they experience the world around them.

Ceramics offers River both a creative practice and a therapeutic tool. Through making, River processes a world that can be challenging to navigate, while building connections with their environment, their community and the people who use the objects they create.

Each functional piece is an expression of their originality and unique perspective. River tells stories, shares memories and reflects on lived experiences, through intricate surface manipulation and detailed painting techniques.

"When struggling to communicate in 'normal' ways, a tangible piece of ceramic connects people in ways beyond words or pictures. People can come to a mutual understanding, without language, through appreciating the making and use of an object," River says.

After receiving a 2026-27 Richard Llewellyn Deaf and Disability Grant for Professional Development – First Step, River is spending the next 12 months strengthening their ceramic practice and developing new work for exhibition. In August, they presented a series of new pieces at the Unity Housing SALA Festival Exhibition.

They are also continuing to work alongside mentors and rent studio space at The Mill, which provides opportunities to learn from other creatives, connection and a strong sense of belonging. It also supports their wellbeing, by providing a stable environment in which creativity can flourish.