Training and experience
My hands on training began in a production workshop on the outskirts of Sydney during the 1970s. This was followed by a traineeship at Sturt Craft Workshops, Mittagong – the first production workshop established in Australia, when I was first introduced to woodfiring with Janet Mansfield.
Following my traineeship, I moved back to the mid north coast NSW where I established my own workshop. I’ve had my hands in clay for more than 40 years, and contributed to the arts more broadly as a teacher at the local TAFE and schools, as well as managing Dunghutti Ngaku Aboriginal Art Gallery from 2009-18.
Workshop and kilns
My workshop and kilns are located just outside of Kempsey on the NSW mid north coast.
After my first introduction to woodfiring at Mittagong, I first build a pheonix fast kire kiln when I relocated to Kempsey in 1981. But this kiln wasn’t to last as it was designed for firing with pine. Given the large quantities of accessible, locally fallen hardwood in the area, I embraced a new firing method in the bourry box kiln, build in 1984 with a double firebox. The bourry lasted over 100 firings, and was replaced with Asha the catenary arch in 2018, which can be fired in 24-30 hours.
In 2006, I attended a residency in Tokoname, Japan, which renewed my inspiration and energy for different methods of firing. Upon my return, I constructed an Japanese train-style kiln called an anagama, which is still in use today. The anagama is fired for 100+ hours.
I enjoy firing both Asha, the catenary arch, and Minkie, my anagama, each year in the ongoing endeavour for unique results.
