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.

back to top

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. 

back to top

My pottery career began soon after, receiving on-the-job training while working with professional potters for three years in Vancouver, followed by two years in Japan. Working as part of a team in a traditional family pottery that was steeped in samurai history was a priceless experience. Wood fired climbing kilns and large oil fired kilns were in use at Kuno Toen in Kasama, and my time was also utilized salt glazing two wood kilns with a Canadian potter who had lived and worked in Japan for ten years.

Highlights of Japan included a special hour with Shoji Hamada at his home in Mashiko, and visits to other pottery centres like Kyoto, Tamba, Shogaraki, Imbe (Bizen), and Hagi while en route to Korea for mandatory visa renewals. Five years ago and 20 years later I was able to revisit Japan and meet with my teachers and friends once again. I remain ever thankful for the open, sharing and friendly spirit of the Japanese people.

Upon my return to Vancouver I began my own Pottery but this was interrupted a year later to work on the ‘Clay Wall Project’ in Saskatchewan. Several friends were involved in this but only two of us had experience with clay. Briefly, we rented an ice skating rink during the summer months, mixed 35 tonnes of clay, and created a 5000 sq foot mural for the outside of a new building, from the 2^nd to the 8^th floors. I’m pleased to say it’s still there withstanding some rather harsh prairie winters and for anyone with a wish for detail please refer to my pottery article in Pottery in Australia, Vol. 22 No. 1.

Following my immigration to Australian my family established Tallaganda Pottery in Braidwood, operating as a main street workshop and gallery for 18 years. This was an extremely busy period. The workshop revolved around the supply of pots to the 2-chambered oil and wood fired kiln, as well as working with the business community to promote the development of the township, raising children and keeping up with the restoration of a 100 year old 7 bedroom home listed with the National Trust.

I now live and work in Watson and sometimes fire my portable ‘top hat’ raku kiln. Working with clay often becomes a life journey and in my case, the equivalent of an addiction. It’s an expressive medium that allows me to create three-dimensional form that can be fondled, used, or just admired. Nature’s structures, textures, movement and space are basic elements for my inspiration. Through a close relationship with the Canberra Potters Society, I enjoy sharing the rewards and challenges clay has to offer, both as a teacher and a committee member.

Garry teaches handbuilding and wheelwork to our adult classes, as well as the children's school holiday programme. Click here to view some his work.

back to top

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.

back to top

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.

back to top

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.

back to top