Bisila Noha

Handwork, because it has nature behind it, has a way of fostering good life.
Soetsu Yanagi, ‘The Unknown Craftsman’

With my work I aim to challenge Western views on art and craft; to question what we understand as productive and worthy in capitalist societies; and to reflect upon the idea of home and oneness pulling from personal experiences in different pottery communities.

My practice extends from wheel-thrown pieces with the distinctive addition of marbled slip decoration to create eye-catching abstract landscapes; to sculptural pieces mixing throwing, coiling and carving which connect me to my roots, the makers that precede me and our past.

As an art activist my goal is to use my skills to make our world a better place. That is why I co-direct the arts and activism organisation Lon-art Creative; I am a Trustee at Headway East London, the charity working with survivors of brain injury with a strong involvement in the arts; and I am part of the team behind Design Can, an initiative to make the design industry more inclusive and diverse.