Drew Caines

A Leeds-based ceramicist whose sculptural practice merges ancient motifs with contemporary aesthetics in a style he describes as ‘archaic pop’. Drawing on a wide range of influences, from Paleolithic cave art to the work of contemporary artists like KAWS, Drew explores folklore, ethnography, and nature through clay, crafting pieces that are both timeless and distinctly modern.

Working from his studio at Barkston House in Leeds, Drew’s creations include ceramic hare heads, Pan-like figures, flower-adorned robots, and heart sculptures carved with tree-like roots. His work is steeped in symbolism, with recurring themes of mythology, nature, and transformation. Among his most popular works are his hare heads, which he describes as “logo-esque” in their stripped-back, iconic form, imbued with layers of folklore and cultural meaning.

Drew’s journey with ceramics began in childhood, inspired by countless hours of play with plasticine. After initially pursuing illustration and other creative paths, he returned to clay in the 1990s through evening pottery classes, where he rediscovered the joy of tactile creation. This rediscovery became an artistic epiphany, blending his lifelong love of imagery, storytelling, and hands-on making.