After more than 20 years of potting I have come full circle, starting out in the world of domestic stoneware, then for a number of years being immersed in low-fired Raku and now returning to the wonderful permanence of stoneware/porcelain for everyday use with a new understanding. I have a bowl at home that I use every morning: I made this bowl 15 years ago and it brings me pleasure each time I eat from it. My wish is to somehow impart this pleasure to people who use my pots.

Chris, as well as being our Resident Potter and Administrator, teaches handbuilding and wheelwork to our adult's classes. Click here to view some of his work.

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Using the traditional hand building techniques of pinching and slabbing to produce my pots, which are inspired by immediate memories of people and places, gives me a very real satisfaction. I like to take very geometric shapes and, basically, ‘mess them up’ by shape modification and the surface treatment. A clean, uncomplicated form is important. The minimal decoration is achieved by the use of texture of clay and glaze, often in association with slip and underglaze, coloured clay inlay and the use of smoke effects. This is complemented by low-temperature, low-tech firings using a variety of fuels.

Having worked informally with clay since 1978, I commenced study full-time at The Canberra School of Art Ceramics Workshop in 1987 and graduated with Associate Diploma of Visual Arts (Ceramics) in 1989. Introducing others to exploration in the medium of clay is a source of constant pleasure. I have been a teacher for the Canberra Potters' Society Inc. since 1992 and am also contracted to teach at other centres for adult and continuing education in Canberra. Recently I have enjoyed leading several workshops, including my own ‘Hot to Pot’ workshops, at various locations in Australia.

Jane teaches handbuilding and wheelwork, as well as our Introduction to Glaze Technology and Plaster Mould Making courses. Click here to view some of her work. You can also visit Jane at www.clayworkers.com.au. 

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My interest in medieval history is reflected in the forms and decorative techniques used for my work. I use sgrafitto to decorate the forms based on Byzantine pottery, though I use stoneware clays for their strength, a result of working in Canada for a year. The other main technique that I use is salt-firing. The glaze is formed by adding salt to a kiln at stoneware temperatures. My liking for fantasy creatures is also reflected in the dragons and gargoyles that frequently form decorative or design elements of my work.

I have been an active children’s teacher for the Canberra Potters' Society (CPS) since 1988. I also teach a couple of extended day programs in local primary schools.

Alex teaches some of our Saturday children's classes, including the class aimed at High School students, as well as the school holiday programme. Click here to view some his work.

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I began working with clay in New Zealand 13 years ago with a brief apprenticeship. In Adelaide I worked in a large pottery for two years learning the skills of a production thrower. Also I was throwing Stephen Bower's 'Andamooka' range at the Jam Factory and for studio potter Margaret McCaul. During this time I studied at Underdale CAE and potted at the SA Studio Potters Society, exploring majolica and smoke firing incorporating woven plant fibres. My experience with the Fibre Basketweavers of SA using found garden and native plant fibres was influential in this work.

Extensive travelling overseas visiting and working with potters including the UK, Ireland, France, and the US broadened my knowledge of the history, range and styles of pottery. I began teaching pottery 9 years ago in Ireland to adults with an intellectual disability and have taught children at local Primary Schools and the Canberra Potters’ Society for 5 years, and recently adults in the ANU Open Art Program. A large part of my weekly work involves production throwing for 'Bison Homewares’. A smaller part of my week is spent exploring slip decorated stoneware inspired by Australian plants and continuing to experiment with smoke fired bowls woven with plant fibres.

Cathy teaches children's classes, both during term-time and the school holiday programmes.

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Maryke Henderson, the Doug Alexander Award winner at the 2006 Members’ Exhibition, has taught for many years in educational establishments, workshops and from her own studio when she lived in the New England region of NSW. After many years of professional potting, Maryke undertook full-time studies at the ANU School of Art, graduating in 2005.

Maryke teaches some of our handbuilding and wheelwork classes.

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My love of working with clay started over 20 years ago after studying visual arts.  I have worked with various potters in NSW and QLD as well as artist-in-residence in VIC. I was then led into working with disadvantaged young people through the Juvenile Justice System and various community services. For five years I facilitated pottery workshops in rural remote communities in western NSW, south western QLD and the Gulf of Carpentaria.  Most recently, I spent 18 months working in Aboriginal communities west of Alice Springs facilitating pottery and art programs with young people.

I am currently setting up a studio in Braidwood and I have constructed a double brick catenary arch kiln in which I aim to extend my learning through experimenting with glaze to create depth and subtleties of colour and texture. 

Working with clay provides children and adults, alike, a unique language through which they can explore reflect and process their knowledge and skills by engaging their minds, hearts and bodies. I believe working with clay is primarily about self expression and the pleasure that comes from the flexibility of the medium.  I aim to build a bridge between the physical world of things and events and the inner world of feelings and meanings and encourage spontaneous exploration.

My greatest enjoyment comes from the learning experience of children and I endeavour to help children discover the nature and complexity of their world by teaching them about the concepts of colour, texture and the effects of their actions on materials and objects, evoking the pleasure of creating and building on techniques that have been used for thousands of years.

Ali teaches both children's and adult classes.