The stories behind the ceramics

CERAMICIST Ruby Pilven is inviting art-lovers and collectors to take a short drive out of Ballarat next weekend as she opens her Smythes Creek studio to the public.

Running similar events for the past five years, Pilven said she enjoys the chance to directly present her products without hauling everything to a makers’ market.

“It gives people an opportunity to come out to my studio, my own space, and see it, meet me, and buy my work,” she said.

“It’s a great chance for people to ask questions, and whether they’re artists or not, it’s more interesting for them to meet me and see where I work.

“They can have a more personal and meaningful connection to the handmade works that they’re buying, within in the space that they were made, and from me, the artist. People really appreciate that story.”

With jewellery, functional bowls, jugs, more decorative pieces, and paintings by Tomas Lineker for sale, Pilven said attendees will gain an understanding of her creative process and inspirations, while enjoying the surrounding landscape.

“My studio is in Smythes Creek, five minutes from Smythesdale. It’s within beautiful bushland, overlooking our backyard.

“We have a dam, native trees and birds, so it’s always looking pretty in every season,” she said.

Operating much like any other retail store in the COVID era, Pilven’s open studio will accommodate 10 visitors at a time, with its own QR code to scan before entry.

“Come and support local,” she said.

The studio is open from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, 14 and Sunday, 15 August at 183 Post Office Road, Smythes Creek.