Not sure where January went but I do know it started with a bevy of workshops and wonderful groups of people coming to the Bakehouse and the Blue Mountains with new takes on familiar themes. Totems and flowers took new directions as participants explored their own personal motifs and forms, continuing to never look alike.
Many thanks to Sharron from S. Mountain Ceramics who hosted my first Blue Mountains workshop in Faulconbridge, just a stone’s throw from Norman Lindsay’s House. I’m very much looking forward to returning in March for our exploration of new forms with flower sculptures.
But first a 2nd totem workshop at another of my favourite places - Winmark Wines, to be held over one weekend on the 22nd and 23rd of February. If a weekend of coffee, chardonnay and clay, scenic views and sculpture walks through a beautiful sculpture park sounds interesting to you, please book soon as places are filling fast. Accommodation packages are also available if needed. You can find out more about the workshop, and Winmark and book here.
And just to further whet your tastebuds, here are a few photos taken at Winmark below;
Meanwhile I’ve almost completed my first Driving Creek Pottery totem for my own backyard, pictured below. I will continue to add and adjust this work as I sit and contemplate it under the shade of the frangipani tree.
This work is made from the totem beads I had built and wheel- thrown, then fired in electric and salt-glazed, woodfire kilns.
I’m a bit obsessed with vertical gardens this month so I think I’ll add a planter or two to this totem to also evoke the textures, and forms I was so inspired by on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsular last December.
Experimenting with botanical and biological forms
February promises to be filled with flowers and new forms as we explore more blooms in this popular workshop this month and I deepen my investigation of strange botanical and biological forms. Here is a work-in-progress shot. Stay tuned to see what happens to them next.
Below you will find details of and booking links to the upcoming workshops at the Bakehouse, so hope to see you soon to continue your own ceramic adventure!
Lisa
Light House
This 4 hour workshop with Sara Buchner teaches slab building and cut out design techniques for the creation of a tea light house for decorative mood lighting suitable for inside or outdoor use.
February 16
Birds
This popular workshop to learn ceramic bird making and glazing techniques will be the first of our Autumn workshops. You will take home two or three hand-made beauties to put in your garden or home.
March 1, 8
Totems I
This popular workshop over three Saturday sessions introduces basic hand-building and glazing techniques, as well as composition and design. Beginners welcome.
May 17, 24, 31
WEEKLY OPEN STUDIO SESSIONS
Monday Mornings
10am - 1pm
Thursday Evenings
6pm - 9pm
Friday Afternoons
2pm - 5pm
BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE
Studio Induction / Orientation sessions:
2025 Studio inductions will be completed on-line. More information on this, coming soon.
Scott is always ready to help out with a project.
Looking for a shared woodwork shed in Sydney?
You’ve found it!
The Bakehouse Shed in Marrickville is a space for people with a woodwork project but no space
Or machines, or tools.
It's even for people with no skills and a vague idea about what end of a hammer to hold.
Get in touch with Scott at to discuss your project: thebakehouseshed@gmail.com