Australia's new ceramicists turn pottery into more than just your nanna's hobby

 While recent years have seen a rise in handmade homewares and curios, one of the most popular mediums is clay ceramics, not just for its beauty, but for the lifestyle benefits it provides for its creators.

“As a collector I have enjoyed purchasing beautiful handmade homewares all my life,” says Amanda Barrett, ceramicist at Earth & Baker, “but as a creator, ceramics have given me so much more – wonderful friends, a sense of achievement, a creative outlet and lessons in patience.”

She is not alone. With an increasing number of ceramicists emerging, the local scene has become a thriving collaborative and nurturing community. “They share studios, kilns, advice and are very open to collaboration,” says Amber Creswell Bell, author of Clay: Contemporary Ceramic Artisans. “This sense of sharing gives a great sense of camaraderie, which builds confidence, and allows the makers to push themselves creatively in ways they might not have otherwise. I am yet to meet a ceramicist with a huge ego – they are warm, generous and passionate about what they do.”

Working from a home studio amongst the trees on Burleigh Hill on the Gold Coast, Barrett and husband and co-creator Michael Budworth founded Earth & Baker in 2014. “As avid collectors, we were looking to try our hand at something creative that we could work on together,” she says, “so we took up pottery at the Gold Coast Potters Association, where I still attend classes.”

With a signature style that is casual and organic, Earth & Baker primarily use the hand building technique, a method that involves crafting clay by hand and using a slab roller to create shapes. “We originally produced collections,” says Barrett, “now we create unique one-off pieces when inspiration hits and sell them through our online store.”

Amanda Barrett and husband and co-creator Michael Budworth founded Earth & Baker in 2014. Photo: Earth & Baker

For potter Sandra Tyson, a former nurse who retired due to a rare heart disease, working with clay is a relaxing but rewarding form of therapy. “I once enjoyed going to work every day, but now I enjoy getting up in the morning and thinking about what pieces I can create.”

Tyson founded All Fired Up two years ago and is based on the Gold Coast with her husband and daughter. “I have always been crafty and working with clay was always on my bucket list,” she says.

While naturally creative, educating herself has been the biggest challenge. “Finding a place to learn, understand different clays and glazes, and working out which suited my style best, was trickier than I imagined.”

“As a collector I have enjoyed purchasing beautiful handmade homewares all my life,” says ceramicist Amanda Barrett. Photo: Earth & Baker

Tyson learnt the craft at Picasso Ceramics in Burleigh and at Benowa Potters. “I took up hand building initially, and now I am learning the wheel, which is nothing like the movie Ghost I can assure you! It requires full focus and an eye for detail.”

With her custom-made ceramics appearing in publications like Donna Hay and Homes and Gardens, and retailing through stores here and abroad, Tyson says the artistic process is enjoyably challenging. “My daughter created some hand built pieces and sold every one,” she says. “She was meticulous, and you have to be. It is a craft that you have to put your heart and soul into.”

For Sandra Tyson, a former nurse who retired due to a rare heart disease, working with clay is a relaxing but rewarding form of therapy. Photo: All Fired Up

Whilst both ceramicists describe their creative pursuits as hobby businesses, well-crafted clay ceramics continue to be in high demand. “Ceramics represent slowness,” says Cresswell Bell, “each piece bears the mark of the maker, and I think people find pleasure in that given the ‘virtual’ world we spend so much time in.”

Tyson agrees. “Hand built ceramics are unique, no two are the same and customers appreciate that,” she says. “My style is rustic, organic, wobbly and definitely not perfect,” she says, ” but people who are not afraid to take a risk often create something unique.”

Tyson founded her business two years ago and is based on the Gold Coast with her husband and daughter. Photo: All Fired Up

Even though imperfect ceramics, with a wabi-sabi aesthetic, have enjoyed success over the last few years, a more streamlined aesthetic is emerging. “I see the trend veering towards striking silhouettes, clean lines and clever glazes, with a touch of mid-century modern style,” says Cresswell Bell, who says her love of ceramics is far more than decorative.

“I use ceramics everyday,” she says. “I drink tea out of handmade ceramic mugs, keep my rings in a ceramic bowl, eat off handmade ceramic tableware and own more ceramic vases than I should admit to! Each piece is a one-off, and that is truly special.”