Discover ceramic art over the weekend

AUSTRALIAN Ceramics Association is holding its annual nationwide Open Studios weekend on Saturday, 17 and Sunday, 18 August.

Ceramicists will be open to the public to offer insight, practical demonstrations and the chance to take home a handmade piece.

Smythes Creek artists Barry Wemyss and Ruby Pilven will welcome visitors to both their workspaces over the weekend. Mr Wemyss said he wants to show the public how his ceramics are made.

“People need to know that what I make is a one-of hand-made product,” he said.

“I like the idea of educating people and showing them how things are, sales are a bonus but that’s not what it’s about.”

A travel scholarship to Japan, while at university, introduced a Japanese influence to his artwork.

He studied with local artists using their kilns and learning their skills.

“I realised I had been unknowingly creating Japanese inspired art in my early days and since then I have developed an infinity with the country, its culture and art,” Mr Wemyss said.

As an artist he likes to show people that ceramics are not just about functional pieces.

He takes time to experiment, from a personal development perspective, with other shapes and sculptural art.

It is possibly his background in engineering which makes him a self-confessed ‘peter perfect’.

“The chase for a unique glaze or something that you’ve developed yourself is always enjoyable and makes your work distinctive,” he said.

Just down the road, Ms Pilven’s will also be inviting the community to see what the inside of a potter’s studio looks like.

She said it gives those who do not know much about pottery, exposure and some idea of a potter’s or artist’s life.

“I can then talk to them, in particular if they have an interest or are studying ceramics, and answer their questions,” she said. “Last year I had about 200 people come through.”

She is obsessed with jewellery and, as the daughter of parents who are also potters, loves clay.

It was the perfect combination for her to start her career creating brooches, rings and earrings.

Like Mr Wemyss, Ms Pilven has a connection with Japan.

Her pieces are a contemporary twist on the Japanese technique called Nerikomi, hand-building with coloured clay.

Brave yet muted pastel coloured patterns and striking metallic 12 carat gold highlights are typical of her style.

Her inspiration comes from her natural surroundings and playing with colours.

“I often take photos of things, fabric or sunsets or any kind of colour combinations and patterns that I like,” she said. “At different times of the day the light and colours coming through the trees will inspire me.

“Then it is a matter of experimenting.”

Australian Ceramics Open Studios Saturday, 17 August and Sunday, 18 August 10am to 4pm. For more information go to australianceramicscommunity.com/listing-type/acos/

Barry Wemyss is at 95 Kirks Road, Smythes Creek while Ruby Pilven is at 183 Posts Office Road, Smythes Creek.