Makers Markets

Nerikomi, Floating Blue & Speckled Clay

Just Out of the Kiln

As well as sculptural work, I love to make functional wares. As I practised working with the relatively new medium of clay, our house steadily filled with learner pots, experiments and successes until nearly every surface was full. At the same time, my partner in life, and in creativity, was refining his skills as a woodturner. So add to the odd assortment of ceramic pots, a myriad of wood bowls, salt and coffee grinders, lidded ‘boxes’ and the like. While not necessarily original, our solution was to start a market stall at the local markets.

We have loved the experience of displaying our wares, meeting and talking with people, indulging in people watching, and selling to those who love what we do. Making for the markets has expanded and honed my skills on the wheel. It has provided a breathing space from the demanding creative process of making sculptural pieces. I use the functional ware as a means to play with different clay bodies, try new things and experiment with different surface treatments.

In the image above I have included a favourite with buyers, nerikomi mugs, trialled a new glaze recipe called ‘Floating Blue’, and featured a textural speckled clay. These pieces will be on the market table this coming weekend at the Carnival on Collins, a part of the finale of the Cairns Festival.

Sgraffito, the art of carving underglaze, or slip, to reveal the colour of the clay body underneath, has been one direction that continues to fascinate me. Black and white ware is proving to be popular at the markets.