Mud Australia is celebrated for its elegant and timeless ceramics, but its beginnings are anything but conventional. What started as a lucky discovery has grown into a global brand that perfectly balances artistry and practicality. It’s more than just pottery—it’s a lifestyle. Our publisher, Grace A. Capobianco, had the chance to experience Mud’s artfully crafted ceramics and get an exclusive with their CEO, delving into the ins and outs of Mud Australia.
Mud Australia
Brooklyn, USA Store
When Shelley Simpson, Mud’s founder, moved from Melbourne to Sydney at 28, she found an old pottery wheel in the shed of her new home. “I never trained formally in ceramics, which turned out to be a blessing—it gave me the freedom to explore without being tied to tradition,” she says. Her journey evolved further with motherhood, inspiring her to create pieces that were both functional and beautiful—a philosophy that defines Mud Australia to this day.
Shelley Simpson
Before ceramics and Mud, Simpson’s world revolved around theater management and playing in bands. While creative and hands-on, they lacked the tactile connection she craved. “Pottery gave me that connection I’d been searching for,” she explains. “It’s something I could shape and create with my own two hands.”
Today, Mud Australia’s studio is close to Simpson’s home in Sydney, where she remains deeply involved in day-to-day operations. “My kitchen even doubles as an office sometimes,” she jokes. Her partner, James, co-leads the business, while Tess Lloyd, their General Manager, plays a key role in keeping everything running smoothly. “Honestly, it’s a collective effort—every team member is essential,” she says.
Mud Australia
Brooklyn, USA Store
Mud Australia’s ceramics are known for their premium materials and clean, understated aesthetic. Each piece is handcrafted from French Limoges porcelain for strength and translucency. Their 19 signature colors, all mixed in-house, are tinted into the porcelain for deep, lasting hues. With glazed interiors and matte exteriors, the pieces feature a stone-like texture that only gets better with use. “It’s about blending functionality with artistry,” Simpson says. “Our pieces are made to be used and loved.”
Products like the rechargeable LED Pop Lamp with touch-dimming features and the Tear Vase, with its simple yet striking glaze design, showcase Mud’s ability to combine beauty and function. Available in multiple signature colors, these pieces highlight the craftsmanship and thoughtful design that define the brand. Like all Mud Australia products, they are crafted using carbon-neutral practices, underscoring the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
Sustainability is central to Mud Australia’s mission. “For me, it starts with making things that last,” Simpson explains. By minimizing waste and environmental impact and creating pieces that complement existing collections rather than replacing them, the brand avoids trends in favor of timelessness. “We don’t do trendy or seasonal designs,” she says. “Our goal is to create timeless pieces that fit seamlessly into everyday life.”
Mud’s ceramics aren’t just for special occasions—they’re meant to elevate the everyday. “I’ve never understood saving things for special moments,” Simpson shares. “The joy of beautiful objects is in using them every day.” While the brand doesn’t offer customization, its cohesive collections make it easy for customers to create personalized combinations. “We’re always thinking about how our designs can enhance daily rituals,” she adds.
At its core, Mud Australia is about bringing beauty and joy into life’s simplest moments. “I want people to live with what they love,” Simpson says. “Our pieces are made to enhance the things we do most often, making life just a little more special.”
Mud Australia now has three U.S. stores—in Los Angeles, California, and New York’s Brooklyn and Nolita neighborhoods—as well as locations in Australia and the UK.
Mud Australia
Brooklyn, USA Store