Lara Putt

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Art and Community: BSU Student Lara Putt talks overcoming challenges, giving back and life at Locksbrook

Wednesday, 11 February, 2026

Art may be stereotypically associated with grand galleries and exhibitions, but the soul of the work can often be overlooked. Art, and creativity by extension, is an intrinsically personal reflection, often lifted by the community that helps bring it all together.

For second year Creative Arts Practice student Lara Putt, that sense of community is something that continues to motivate her daily, with the origins of her passion lifting her from a dark place and enabling her to share those skills with the rest of the world.

Born and raised near Bridgwater, Somerset, Lara has always been inspired by her mum. The pair would often craft and make together, but Lara felt as though there was always something missing.

“I always knew I loved art from a young age, but I could never find the thing that didn’t frustrate me about it. It wasn’t until lockdown, when a local potter popped up in our village, that I started developing my skills and falling in love with ceramics. I started doing lessons with her and everything just clicked. I’ve been obsessed with it ever since.”

The influence of local potter, Jemima, came at a vital time for Lara, who was struggling with her own mental health challenges.

“I used to suffer with depression, and I didn’t see myself having much of a future all, and then I met her (Jemima) and she made me think there’s more to life and more ways to live your life. I’ve carried that with me ever since really.

All artists have that motivation to create, it’s inherently in you and you can’t really explain it. You don’t always know what you want to make but you just want to produce things.”

In a full-circle moment that will undoubtedly lead to her inspiring the next generation of young makers, Lara now runs workshops of her own, inviting residents to work with clay and discover their own passions.

“I started teaching people at home on my own wheel that was gifted to me. I first taught a friend’s mum as a Mother’s Day present! I then got talking to a maker’s market that was happening in Bridgwater, and they offered for me to get involved and be a part of a workshop for the community alongside other artists.

They then reached out to me again in 2025 and I put on my own independent workshops. I had help from my mum and fellow BSU course mates, which was amazing. There’s not much going on in Bridgwater so it was really great to put on a free community event and get positive feedback from people from all different walks of life.

Art isn’t always accessible and the fact we can be there to make it accessible to people makes it all the more meaningful.”

Lara’s journey with ceramics may have started in Bridgwater, but her skills and passions are now firmly worldwide. Lara has travelled to Japan to learn and teach in unique communities and is heading off to Spain later in the year to help work on and build a traditional Japanese kiln. This universal love for ceramics and art transcends any language barrier, with Lara attributing these experiences to furthering her craft.

“It’s given me a whole new perspective on everything. New ideas, techniques and new ways to develop, and new ways of thinking that you can’t even imagine. I love being able to help my classmates and teach them the things that I’ve learnt as well. Everyone can help each other progress."

Lara’s journey may not be the traditional path, but it’s a reflection of her unique style that permeates in her ceramics; shaped by challenges and experiences and now thriving in the perfect environment.

“I did my first year in 2022 in Cardiff and it wasn’t right for me. I dropped out but was always itching to do more ceramics, but life and full-time work got in the way. Thankfully, Bath Spa University accepted me and I haven’t looked back. The people, technicians and facilities here are amazing and I love how much autonomy I have over my own work. Everybody is so kind and interested in what you’re doing and it’s a community that I love being a part of.”

The future for Lara looks very similar to the past few years, with her craft set to develop even further through lived experiences, more learning and further contributions to the community that helped guide her to where she is today.

You can keep up with Lara’s journey on her Ceramics Instagram.

Looking to start your own path in the world of Art? BSU has a range of courses that could be perfect for you.