Artist · Sculpture · Material research
Ana Bridgewater
From representing coral to working alongside it.
Current trajectory
Craft can move beyond making objects to participate in repair.
For more than two decades, I have created voids within porcelain to develop translucent, lightweight materials that evoke coral structures and interact with light. My practice is now moving from representation towards regenerative action.
I am researching ceramics and experimenting with responsibly sourced residual coral material generated through coral-farm and restoration activities. I work with a broad community of coral-restoration practitioners to help protect species and ways of life that depend on healthy reef ecosystems. For me, coral is not a material; it is a collaborator, an animal and part of the wider ecosystem we all inhabit. Working alongside coral also helps me understand my own existence.
Sculpture + light
Corallo Porcelain developed as a sculptural language through hand-making, mould-making, firing and installation.
Material research
Porosity, translucency, residual matter and digital fabrication are tested as active properties rather than decorative effects.
Regenerative action
Art can operate as habitat, field test, shared knowledge and ecological action. The work asks what changes when we sculpt for another species.
Light Grown from Coral and Memory
Material Memory documents the transition from representing coral in porcelain to working alongside living coral and Okinawan restoration communities.
Research project · 2025—ongoing
The Arrow
A versatile ceramic system for coral restoration.
- Unglazed porcelain and controlled surface textures
- London research and fieldwork in Okinawa
- Developed with restoration practitioners and communities
- Shared as a defensive open-knowledge publication
Visual CV
Request full CVPorcelain + coral language
Early sculptural research into coral structures, void, fragility, porcelain and light.
London
Relocated to London and continued developing a practice between sculpture, design and experimental ceramics.
Studio practice
Established an independent London studio and expanded porcelain-light work through commissions and exhibitions.
Spanish Embassy · London
Completed a large-scale porcelain lighting commission for the Embassy of Spain in the United Kingdom.
Okinawa + The Arrow
Began field collaboration with Sea Seed Okinawa, connecting ceramic knowledge with coral cultivation and restoration.
Regenerative Action Art
Defined a new direction in which artworks may become restoration tools, research, habitat, collective action and shared knowledge.
Tsuboya Pottery Museum · Okinawa
Solo exhibition in development, bringing together sculpture, ceramic research, community, coral restoration and moving image.
Camera as witness
Abalon
Practice, material and sculptural process.
Traditional Tsuboya Ware
Toushin Kiln · Okinawa, Japan.
The verb to care
Community, attention and ecological action.
Press + institutions
Embassy of Spain, London
Site-specific porcelain lighting developed and produced for the Embassy’s principal rooms.
Collect, Somerset House
Collectible sculpture and light presented in London with Ruup & Form.
Material Memory Studio, Seoul
Guest-host contribution and masterclass connecting ceramics, material memory and bio-ceramic research.
Interviews, images + press kit
High-resolution images, project texts and a complete press kit are available for editors, curators and institutions.
Contact · Collaboration · Curatorial enquiries