I’m so glad you are here.
I’m Renee, a Melbourne-based ceramicist. I have always been artistic, and have long preferred arts that can be moulded and shaped. I’m not fantastic at drawing, very mediocre at painting, but when it comes to clay, wood, or fibre art – well, that’s my niche!
I started pottery in a Year 9 art class, when I was one of four chosen to do a semester of ceramics. And I was chosen because, when I got on that pottery wheel, I could centre the clay on my very first throw. I had massive dreams and aspirations to become a ceramicist when I left school. But, well, when you’re young, and looking to buy an expensive pottery wheel … it just didn’t happen.
Fast forward to years later: living in the United States (Camden County, New Jersey) and fully involved in my career as a florist, my work colleague and I decided to take pottery lessons at a local studio. My colleague dropped out after a short while, but I continued and made a few ‘masterpieces’, which I still have (when I take a look at them now, I realise they are by no means masterpieces; in fact, they are pretty ordinary). When I became pregnant and had a newborn, I was unable to continue the classes. Everyone who has been a new mamma understands!
Now, that newborn is 17, and my family are all back in my hometown in Melbourne’s Eastern Ranges. I was able to pick up ceramics again and I have no intension to let it go! I have been at it for several years now, and have my own wheel that lives in a makeshift ‘studio’ on my back deck. I have been selling my creations at markets, at exhibitions, and tend to do quite well around Christmas time. I’m a small-time operation, a hobby ceramicist. But, I have been fortunate enough to have some ongoing commissioned work for a local doula and herbalist, Julie, who provides products for birthing women. I must say, her products are beautifully and lovingly crafted. And this is where I spruik: take a look at Blissful Herbs (blissfulherbs.com.au) and on her site, you will see some of my ceramics for retail.
So take a look around and drop me a line if you have any questions, or even a “Hey Renee, do you think you’d be able to make a …..?”