CLAY TALK CERAMIC CENTRE
Clay Talk @ Montsalvat is a spacious and beautifully designed ceramic studio located in the grounds of Montsalvat.
It is a great space for adults and children to tap into their creativity, try their hand on the pottery wheel, be inspired and engage in the art of ceramics.
BROWSE CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
Take a look through our online portal below to find a class or workshop that suits you or purchase gift a voucher for a loved one!
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THE TEAM
Tatts, an artist with a strong background and expertise in mosaic sculpture, has embarked on an artistic journey enriched by a deep understanding of biophysical and chemical materialism philosophies. Currently in her final year pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Ceramics at RMIT, Tatts goes above and beyond by curating and producing captivating art exhibitions.
From an early age I have felt driven to express myself through visual art. This, together with a passion for nature in its many and varied forms especially gems and minerals, have always offered great inspiration for my work, which entails both painting and sculpture. Over a number of years I have been involved in various community arts projects and school residencies.
Josephine is a local and long time ceramic artist of Eltham with a great gift in making and understanding functional ceramic ware. Of European extraction and with decades of experience, Josephine’s skill in understanding how to make functional ware and using the right glazes is second to none.
Jessie Pittard is a passionate printmaker and ceramicist. Growing up with both parents involved with ceramics, she has spent her life immersed in clay. Her studies and technical training as a printmaker at RMIT have influenced her approach. Jessie runs her ceramic business from her studio in Eltham. You can find some of Jessie’s functional ceramics at the Montsalvat Gallery Shop.
Sergei began his life with ceramics at Cooma TAFE NSW in 1993 before moving onto the Australian National University’s Canberra School of Arts under Janet De Boos, Anita Macintyre, Hiroe Swen and Greg Daly in 2003. Since then he has studied and worked in ceramic workshops and studios in Seto Japan, Minnesota, Northern California and North Carolina. Sergei’s aesthetic and influences also come from various Asian traditions and philosophies.
Yuso has taught all levels and ages how to throw and hand build over her 20+ year career. Yuso graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Ceramics in Korea and a Diploma of Ceramics from Holmesglen College of TAFE in Melbourne. She has lived and taught in Australia since 2005. Yuso draws inspiration for her ceramic arts from inner emotions and the environment she lives in.
Tracey Hollis majored in ceramics in the 1990’s whilst studying fine arts at James Cook University and QUT in Queensland. Tracey has been teaching pottery in Eltham and Box Hill for the past 7 years at community arts centre’s as well as through her own studio and loves the functionality of wheel thrown and hand built pottery. She enjoys seeing the positive benefits that working with clay provides and loves helping others learn and express their creativity through pottery.
Mary-lou has worked in her Eltham Studio as a professional potter for over 35 years. She is a well known local identity through her community involvement, as an artist in residence with local schools, working with the Nillumbik Shire on large scale ceramic murals and smaller class room projects. Mary-lou produces brightly coloured stoneware ceramics in her studio/gallery established at her home. Her work can also be admired & purchased at the Montsalvat Gallery Shop.
Keiko has over 20 years’ experience working in ceramics, initially moving to Australia in 1999 from Japan and completing a Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) degree in 2006 at the National Art School in Sydney. Keiko's way of teaching is student focused; she observes each student’s needs and teaches them individually with her Osakan sense of humour and smile. Keiko is a Montsalvat Studio Artist and you can also find some of her beautiful work in the Montsalvat Gallery Shop.
Growing up in Nillumbik has offered Siena a world of inspiration for working with clay. First practicing in the studio of Judy Trembath as a child, Siena has been at Montsalvat for over four years, as a student and junior tutor.
Siena’s work is inspired by the interplay of earth and fire in the landscape and potter’s craft. Currently studying integrative psychotherapy, Siena finds joy in sharing the immersive experience of clay.
Madelyn McKenzie is a Ceramic Artist who specialises in sculpture. Madelyn’s sculptures are inspired by Victorian architecture and wrought iron fences as well as life experiences delving into childhood and escapism. Madelyn is a teacher at Montsalvat and is completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts at RMIT majoring in Ceramics. She loves teaching children and helping students expand on their sculpting skills and ideas.
Emma is heavily inspired by the natural world in material and form. She collects her own clay and utilises natural found materials in both her clay bodies and glaze.
Emma has a Bachelor’s degree in Ceramics from RMIT and has practiced and trained in Japan, Indonesia and Taiwan under various teachers. She is passionate about woodfiring, learning traditional techniques and practicing throwing as a meditative task.
REVIEWS
CONTACT US
Email: claytalk@montsalvat.com.au
Phone: (03) 9439 7712
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