Details

My Ceramics

In the studio I like to do	Handbuilding, Throwing on the Wheel
Pottery Wheel	Venco
Clay body	Earthenware, Stoneware, Porcelain
Clay Brand	Clayworks
Kiln Type	Electric Kiln
Kiln Atmosphere	Reduction Atmosphere, Oxidation Atmosphere
Temperature	1220
Glaze	I use under glazes on some. Commercial Mayco glazes and at times, experiment with oxides on Raku clay … milk was the last trial. I’m keen to trial some soil from my garden to see what transpires.
You can buy my work from	1. My home gallery – see my cover photo 2. Cobb and Co Museum Shop -Toowoomba 3. The Store Room – furnishings and gifts Toowoomba 4. Darling Downes Pottery Gallery Toowoomba

About Me

Introduction	I’m known as Mary in Mary Street, (Toowoomba Queensland Australia) or The Residential Potter! I sell my work from my driveway and seem to attract curious passers by – on their way for coffee or exercising. My garden shed seems to be a destination for friends neighbours and others. People see me working so come in to see what’s going on. I enjoy making functional or garden pieces. The functional pots are usually small bits that aren’t too expensive. I like to donate work to a couple of favourite charities.
What I Love about Ceramics	I love it when someone picks up a piece and says why they like it and of course choose to buy it. I’m fortunate to have the time to pot every day within my garden shed. I have possums and three chooks that keep an eye on me.
How I started with ceramics	Me and my family were grain farmers on the Darling Downes in Queensland. We lived close to a small, country, one pub town. I learned and practised the flute often, driving to the city for lessons, gave after dinner solos etc … my husband, being discrete, brought home a second hand potting wheel from the local pub as the local policeman was leaving town so wanted to shed ‘unwanted stuff’. Of course the flute playing died out and the potting wheel was put to good use. Fortnightly lessons and gas kiln came quickly. Making glazes in the kitchen was the norm. One wouldn’t do that now. Lots of trial and error. This was the beginning of my love of ceremics.
What inspires me	My family and friends inspire me. Being with other artists so we can talk through common interests and share ideas is what I love.
What I'm working on at the moment	I’m working on a commission at the moment. I’m making 6 small porcelain pots for a gift shop. AND after I’ve finished, I’m making myself a few pieces…
My Artist Statement	My artist statement… Practise! Practise! Practise.
My CV	I have no C.V. I pot for fun.