El Samms

Find me on the @blue__whip directory 💙

I’m partnering up with @_themudhouse_ to raise money for my top surgery! Join @el_samms and I to play with Clay. You’ll be able to pay to fire whatever you want to keep, and the we’ll have fun destroying what’s left. Grab a free ticket and get muddy with us!

El’s loading the kiln and it’s giving ASMR vibes 🙂‍↕️ so enjoy the sounds of greenware being expertly Tetris-d! 🧩 #kilnloading #greenware #bisquefire

Explaining sculpture from a few posts back: ‘Unnamed’ 2003-current, Parian clay Shown in @blue__whip ‘s group exhibition ‘Love and Mankind is Grass’, at @_josephwales_ in Margate

✨Queer & Trans+ Pinch Potting with El✨ Join our studio manager El (They/Them) for the next pinch potting workshop! 📅 When: Sunday 7th December 2025 🕒 Time: 10:00am-12:30pm Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced maker, this casual Sunday workshop will introduce you to the mindful, creative practice of pinch potting. Spend a calm morning making, playing with clay, and connecting with a supportive community. This is a pay-what-you-feel session, with a recommended donation of £10 to cover the cost of firing. Every participant is welcome, and the suggested donation helps us keep the workshop sustainable and accessible. Who it’s for: . Self-identifying LGBTQIA+ adults . All abilities and experience levels What to expect . Guidance from El on pinch potting techniques . A friendly, inclusive, and supportive space . Time to relax, create, and connect with your community Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! Click the link in our bio/linktree to book your spot!

Post surgery early days pt 2 (TW: fresh top surgery scars)

‘Clay reminds me that i am alive. It reminds me that we are always becoming. Clay doesn’t ask for stillness you know, it welcomes change again and again and again through the reclaiming process… clay moves through its own transitions without apology and in that, is deeply trans in nature. Through all of its shifting it mirrors a body in motion never settled, you know? it’s always shifting, it shows us that we don’t need to arrive anywhere final.. and that we can exist in the in-between and that that is enough and at the end of the day it does what it wants and it will humble you it will crack and explode and it will remind you that you are not in control’ - El Samms, Head Technician at @_themudhouse_

Me by Lydia 2 years ago this photo was taken and it’s mind bending to say I’ve had top surgery and 10 months of testosterone since then. Looking back, there’s almost a light headed relief to sit in my body so easily in exactly the places it had been so hard Genius friend Lydia, you are an absolute fucking superstar, I have so much gratitude to you for creating this photo, big big big love Photographed by Lydia @lydia_garnett Styled by Mia @miamaxwelll Hair & makeup by Nic @nicmarilyn Models: me and Han @haneditanight

I just wanted to take a moment to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined me for the Queer & Trans+ Pinch Potting session yesterday at The Mud House, Brighton✨ It felt so special to kick off our pay-what-you-feel community sessions in the space we’ve been building for the past 6 month. Guiding everyone through my favourite method of making was such a rewarding experience 💫 I can’t wait for more sessions like this, and we’ll have plenty more coming soon. If you missed out on this one, don’t worry - you can join the waiting list for future sessions through the link in my bio! 💌 Thanks again to everyone who came and made the event so special! El (they/he), Head Technician at The Mud House #QueerPottery #LGBTQIAHistoryMonth #PinchPotting #LGBTQIA #PotteryWorkshop #InclusiveSpace #Handbuilding #PotteryStudio #CommunityEvent

A note to she/her on the wall next to sculpture ‘Unnamed’ I find her knelt on her hands and knees, her skin was smoke torched and her eyes were wild. Who set my home on fire? Who set my world ablaze She attempts to rebuild with skeletal embers. I should have warned her there would be bodily harm. But then she’d have known who lit the match. ————————— Shown in @blue__whip ‘s most recent group exhibition ‘Love and Mankind is Grass’ at Joseph Wales, Margate

‘Unnamed’ 2023 - current, Parian Clay, variable dimensions by El Samms El Samms’ work explores the delicate tension between creation, rupture, and the passage of time, using clay as a metaphor for the trans body: soft, malleable, and constantly in flux. Through intentional disruptions in material, whether in fractured forms or subtle textural shifts, Samms reflects the ongoing negotiation of identity and the resilience found within moments of vulnerability and change. The objects they craft, often incomplete or interrupted, reflect a body reshaped by time, recovery, and the complexities of self-discovery. Images of ‘Love and Mankind is Grass’ group exhibition at Joseph Wales, Margate - 📸 @ollieharrop For further information get in touch at [email protected] #contemporarysculpture #emergingartist #uksculpture #contemporaryart #sculpture

To celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month, TMH are hosting: Queer and Trans+ Pinch Potting with El Sunday 16th February 11.00-13.30 ✨this is sold out but you can join our waiting list✨ Join us for a relaxed, 2.5-hour hand-building pottery session with El (They/He), our Head Technician, in a welcoming, creative space for self-identifying LGBTQIA+ adults of all abilities. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced maker, this casual Sunday workshop will introduce you to the mindful practice of pinch potting. This is a pay-what-you-can session, with a suggested donation of £5 to cover the cost of firing your finished pottery. We aim to keep this session accessible to all, so please contribute what feels comfortable for you. Who can attend? This session is open to all self-identifying LGBTQIA+ adults (16+). All abilities are welcome, and no prior experience with pottery is necessary. What should I bring? Just bring yourself! We provide all materials, aprons, and tools. Feel free to come as you are. What is the size of the class? This class will be limited to 14 participants. How to book? You can book your spot on our website. Comment ‘pinch’ for the direct link. There, you’ll also find information on accessibility and directions to The Mud House. Have questions? Feel free to email El directly at [email protected] with any questions or special requests. . . . . . . . . . #QueerHistoryMonth#QueerFebrurary#LGBTQIA+History#ClayCommunity#PotteryStudio#ClayArt#ClayCommunity#Pottery#PotteryCommunity#LGBTQIA+#QueerCommunity#TransCommunity#InclusiveSpace#Workshop#OpenSpace#SafeSpace#QueerArtists#TransArtists#BrightonCommunity#PotteryStudioCommunity#HandBuilding#Potting#PinchPotting#CommunitySpace#