My Story

I appreciate the tactile nature of handmade pieces. The simple pleasure and appreciation they bring to my day.

While my eye seeks perfection and organisation in my own space, I am drawn to the natural, imperfect forms that clay and my hands can produce. A natural pick-up point on a piece, slight variances in shape and movement, the feel of a form in the hand, enhancement of food within it, and the visual engagement when a piece catches my eye.

These emotional interactions provide moments of appreciation, connection, and joy within our every day.

I first became interested in ceramic forms, their aesthetic and feel in 1998. I followed my instincts and explored this further by enrolling in my first ceramics short course, joined by my partner and now husband, Ben.

We explored wheel throwing and hand building with coils, and while I realised at that point working with clay wasn’t as easy as it looked, my interest was only deepened. To this day, Ben’s coil pot remains with us and sits in the back yard. With Ben having previously studied at art school, it must be said that his was much better than my first attempt.

The second course I undertook was a short course at The National Art School, Darlinghurst, Sydney. This proved to be extremely beneficial both creatively and personally. I was fortunate to be taught by ceramic artist, Sandy Lockwood, who has been making, teaching and exhibiting in Australia and overseas for over forty years. I also met and connected with three now dear friends, the ‘cerama-girls’ as we call ourselves. 

The four of us continued taking classes with Sandy, at her then newly established teaching studio in the Southern Highlands, Sydney. We car-pooled to these, with the drives being as enjoyable as the courses themselves. Strengthening our friendship while learning in a serene, inspiring bush setting and drawing inspiration from each other, of which continues 17 years on in our own surrounds and ceramic spaces.

Under Sandy’s guidance, over those following years I gained such fundamental and unique skills. I was able to explore these independently upon purchasing a second-hand pottery wheel which I set up at my parents’ home in the country just north of Newcastle, my hometown. I utilised their shed, again in a peaceful bush setting, while transitioning to part time work. This enabled me the opportunity to travel regularly from Sydney to continue practising what was now very much my passion.

During this time, I acquired a second-hand gas kiln to enable me to explore the whole ceramic making process. Achieving successful firing results proved difficult given the nature of the kiln, but it was a valuable learning experience nonetheless. I continued to practice as much as I could, and due to a forced break when relocating my equipment to be stored in Sydney, I spent time exploring other ceramic artists’ work and discovered a love of hand building as well. 

Move forward a few years and I now have a home studio with an electric kiln. Here, I am finally dedicating much more time to furthering my skills and knowledge of ceramics, with the opportunity to complete the whole process, from making, to bisque and glaze firing.  I have also recently acquired a clay extruder, heightening my exploration of hand building to incorporate coil pots and sculptures. Ben is nicknamed the ‘kiln master’ providing valuable input in the firing processes, and I am always joined in the studio by our two Dalmatians, Louie and Lotti.

I hope the enjoyment I get from working with clay, and the appreciation its forms and functions provide me in daily life, can be experienced and shared. That you enjoy following my journey.