In the quiet rhythms of her day-to-day life, Cinnamon Garrett has found the essence of her creative practice. Based on the principles of simplicity and natural beauty, her work is deeply influenced by Wabi Sabi, the Japanese philosophy of embracing imperfection. This ethos flows through both her ceramics and paintings, which, while different in process, share a grounding in spontaneity and intuition.

With clay, Garrett embarks on a meticulous, often unpredictable journey, allowing each piece to evolve organically. Painting offers her a more immediate creative outlet, one in which she can control the outcome. Whether she's molding clay or applying brushstrokes, her approach is rooted in freedom, focusing on the process rather than the result. In her personal life, Garrett gravitates toward neutral tones, natural textures, and a minimalist style—creating a calm and peaceful environment that mirrors her artistic vision. 

Cinnamon is the brains behind ANDCLAY, a ceramic art practice.

What inspires your design taste & how do you find your inspiration?

I draw a lot of inspiration from the concept of Wabi Sabi. The Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection. That could translate in the form of a shape, texture, light & shade or elements of nature but essentially it all centers around simplicity. I am fascinated with challenging the idea that we tend to find perfection more beautiful. 

How has your approach to creating work evolved over time?

I am much more comfortable not explaining myself now. I have learned to completely trust my intuition and trust the process

Is there a difference between working on a painting vs working with Clay & does the process change at all?

Yes, it's hugely different! The process with clay (for me) is a lot more consuming. It begins with hand building a piece, which can sometimes take over a week, then allowing roughly two weeks of drying time. Once completely dry it is bisque fired, then it can be glaze or decorated and refired. Each step of the way the piece can crack or break. There is always an element of anticipation and mystery, never really know what the final piece will look or if it will even survive at all. I find the whole process strangely soothing and anxiety-inducing at the same time.

Painting on the other hand, I find a lot more straightforward, you get what you see and I can control the outcome. Sometimes I find myself craving the flow and freedom of paint over clay. They Both feel very different for me but essentially I don’t do either for an outcome. It’s about freedom… the outcome will be what it will be.

Over the years did you explore different mediums of artistry? Tell us about your journey as an artist.

Something inside my soul feels incomplete if I’m not creating. It’s more of a necessity than a choice and it’s been this way as far back as I can remember.   Painting and drawing were always my go-to until a friend took me to a pottery class about six years ago. The attraction was instant. Sinking my hands into clay is incredibly healing and grounding.

Describe your personal style.

In both fashion and my surroundings, I gravitate towards neutral colours, simple styles, textures and natural fibers. I like my clothing to be comfortable and my environment to feel calm. But I do just as quickly revert back to my inner hippy~ vintage pieces, mixing prints, colours and stack on the jewelry. 

What does a typical day in the life of Cinnamon Garrett look like?

Up at about 6.00am and out the door for a piccolo at my local cafe, which is way too hand at only one minute walk away! Then I’ll walk the dog for an hour. Home for breakfast. Morning meditation which I have been practicing twice daily for about two years. The afternoon will either include a walk on the beach or pilates class then my evening meditation after dinner 

My mornings and afternoons a generally same. But the middle of the day depends on how inspired I feel, sometimes that means creating nonstop until midnight and sometimes it means walking away. I have learned not to work on a schedule, it’s too restrictive and doesn’t work for me creatively. Throw in all the usual things like grocery shopping, housework, and making dinner for hungry teenagers…and that’s my day.

What advice do you most commonly give to yourself?

Trust yourself. Be gentle. Be still

What’s a stand-out item from your wardrobe that you cherish?

I have favourite pieces for a time, but I wouldn’t say I cherish anything. I am not sentimental at all and I really don’t get attached to things. As I get older I naturally seem to practice non-attachment more and more. If I had to pick, I would choose my sarongs, beautiful soft cottons, linens, silks. So versatile to wear a multitude of ways or style in your home, hang on a wall, pop in your suitcase. It’s the one piece of clothing that feels like a holiday, what’s not to love about that?