This year on the Central Victorian Clay Trail, 18 ceramics studios will open to the public over the weekend of November 12-13 from 10am to 4pm, offering a glimpse into the working life of a potter.
The event is part of The Australian Ceramics Association’s annual open studio program and makers from around the country are participating.
Artists from Mount Alexander, Hepburn, Golden Plains and Macedon Ranges Shires will welcome visitors and be on hand to explain the individual processes they use to take clay through to its final state.
A huge range of styles will be on show, from sculptural work to tableware and everything in between, and techniques demonstrated including hand-building, wheel-throwing and mould-making.
Participating in the clay trail for the second time are Rye Senjen and Kirstie Murdoch of Fluxed Earth. Based in Castlemaine and specialising in Japanese, Korean and Chinese-inspired works, the ceramicists have worked in creative collaboration since they came to ceramics seven years ago.
The married couple moved to Dunedin in New Zealand where Rye went to the School of Art and Kirstie set up shop at Otago Potters Group and learned from experienced potters.
“There are so many different styles to enjoy on the clay trail,” Rye said.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to see what actually happens in a studio.”
All of the studios are those of professional artisans and the high quality of the work speaks for itself.
Make a day of it, or better still, a weekend, and avail yourself of all the region has to offer.
Download the map from the website: centralvictorianpotters.org and follow us on Instagram@central_victorian_potters.
Brochures are available from Visitor Information Centres in the area and many other locations.