Local potters have been inspired to learn new skills in Japanese ceramics at a hands-on workshop with internationally recognised Australian ceramics artist, Larissa Warren.
The workshop was hosted by The Art and Pottery Studio in Bundaberg East and supported by Bundaberg Regional Council with a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant of $1,800.
Organiser Kym Russell said the workshop introduced the Japanese ceramics technique of Nerikomi to Bundaberg potters of all levels of experience from across the region.
“The project brought professional ceramics artist Larissa Warren to Bundaberg from Mount Tamborine on the Gold Coast, to deliver this Nerikomi clay workshop, share her knowledge and inspire Bundaberg potters to learn new skills in ceramics,” Kym said.
“Nerikomi is the Japanese process of layering coloured clays and then slicing through to form patterns before creating slab-built forms before kiln firing.
“Several participants from the workshop entered their new Nerikomi ceramic works at this year’s Bundaberg Regional Show, with one of our club members winning 2nd prize for the Slab Building Section.”
Kym said the studio’s Thursday Pottery Club were keen to learn the new technique with the workshop fully booked out.
“Fourteen community members booked seats to fill the venue for the six-hour, catered workshop and were able to collect their kiln fired works two weeks later,” she said.
“All workshop participants made at least two pieces of Nerikomi work with Larissa’s guidance and networked with other keen potters from the Bundaberg community.
“Feedback from participants confirmed the workshop was a fantastic success for this new small business offering community art services in Bundaberg East.”
With the help of funding from Council, Kym said the workshop was affordable to participants, providing them the opportunity to build their creative skills.
“The RADF Grant covered the cost of the visiting artist and enabled the studio to recover some of the expenses in hosting the workshop,” she said.
“The workshop was a fantastic success in raising community awareness, expanding local ceramics skills and broadening Bundaberg pottery networks.
“The sense of goodwill and community connection enjoyed by everyone at the workshop created a positive, creative environment and demonstrated good value for money and effort.”
The workshop was presented by The Art and Pottery Studio and was supported by 4BU, Hitz FM93.9, One Little Farm, Thursday Pottery Club member Anita Goldspink and Bundaberg Regional Council through RADF.
RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Bundaberg Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
