Layers Jug #1, 2024

LAYERS JUG #1 represents the fusion of two of my artistic explorations: LAYERS and GOLD. Crafted with marbled, earthy-toned clay, this piece embodies the geological richness of the Australian landscape while also paying tribute to the resilience found in the mundane struggles of daily life. In the LAYERS collection, I celebrate Australia’s diverse ecosystems by revealing intricate patterns beneath the surface of the clay. This process mirrors the hidden fragility and strength within our environment—elements that can only endure with mindful care. The jug’s form and texture reflect the land’s resilience, inviting viewers to contemplate the delicate balance between nature’s vulnerability and endurance. Incorporating elements from my GOLD collection, the golden handle symbolises the quiet victories of everyday life, often overlooked in a world that celebrates only grand achievements. This accent serves as a “gold medal” for the perseverance required in routine tasks, acknowledging that even small actions can represent significant personal triumphs. LAYERS JUG #1 invites reflection on the resilience of both the natural world and the human spirit. As we peel back the layers, may we uncover not only beauty but also a deeper appreciation for the enduring strength found in our environment and our daily lives.

“As I begin each piece there is no preconceived vision of what I want to create, I let my hands interact with the clay organically. Once I am halfway through, the piece begins to form and I know where to take it. The clay is my way of telling a story.”

Elena Strohfeldt is a self-taught Australian ceramic artist based in Melbourne. She started working with ceramics in 2020, shortly after establishing her brand, Elso Collective.

She hand-builds raw clay into modern ceramic sculptures that combine art, design and functionality. Each piece is watertight and fired to stoneware in textured, earthy tones of brown, cream and sand.

In her short time as a ceramic artist, her work has been selected by the NGV for Melbourne Design Week in 2023 and 2024. She has also exhibited in prestigious galleries, including Brunswick Street Gallery, JamFactory and Michael Reid. Her work is stocked in stores across VIC, NSW, and QLD, including Kate Nixon, Showroom X and Coastal Living. It has also been featured in publications such as Vogue Living, The Design Files and House & Garden.