Introducing Jacq from Funkydory. Where every item is handmade!! From her home in Wellard, WA, Jacq hand builds each of her stunning sculptures by hand.
Find out why Jacq started creating and why she is so passionate about the value of handmade.
Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.
In my clay creations, I bring whimsical characters to life, each piece has a personality and charm. I love hand-building my sculptures, shaping them slowly and deliberately, rather than using a pottery wheel. This hands-on approach allows me to transform the visions in my head into three-dimensional realities. My work often combines bold black-and-white graphic patterns with vibrant bursts of colour, creating a striking visual contrast.
I'm particularly drawn to sculpting faces, each one telling its own story.
I also enjoy experimenting with textures, blending matte and glossy finishes on a single piece to add depth and interest. Every creation is a labour of love, a celebration of imagination brought to life in clay. Mastering the basics of working with clay opens a world of creative possibilities that anyone can explore. For me, the process begins with the excitement of opening a fresh bag of clay. Depending on my vision, I either slice it into slabs or cut off blocks to start shaping my ideas. My smaller creations take a few hours to sculpt, after which I bring them to life with layers of underglaze. Once dry, they are bisque fired in my kiln.
My favourite part of the process is applying underglaze washes-wiping back sections to reveal textures and depth, giving each piece its unique character. I love experimenting with finishes, blending glossy and matte surfaces for contrast. Sometimes, I use wax to preserve matt areas before dipping the piece in glaze, or I might brush glaze onto small areas. For an extra touch, I might incorporate silver/gold leaf, resin, or a lustre glaze, which requires a third firing to achieve its metallic finish. Each step in the process reflects my passion for texture, contrast, and the endless possibilities of clay.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.
Creativity has always been at the heart of my journey. As a schoolgirl, I dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, which led me to study art in secondary school and later at art college. After exploring a variety of jobs and taking a year off to travel, I returned to the UK, met my husband, and started a family. Our move to Australia in 2007 reignited my passion for creating, and while raising my boys, I launched Funkydory, a small business painting murals in children's bedrooms.
Through local sculpture competitions, I connected with a vibrant network of artists, and my fashion design dreams came alive when I began entering Wearable Art competitions, winning four years in a row. About ten years ago, I discovered clay, and it captured my heart. Though I still love assemblage and sculpture, working with clay has become my true passion. It is a methodical, sometimes maddening process, where things can go wrong at every stage. But the magic of opening a kiln to reveal colourful, shiny, finished pieces makes every challenge worthwhile. Clay continues to inspire and fulfill my creative soul.
What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?
My love for the whimsical illustrations in vintage children's books has shaped my creative journey and inspired a collection of quirky pieces. Over the years, I have amassed a treasure trove of these books, hunting through op shops and adding to my collection weekly. Their influence is evident in my creations, which often feature birds, mermaids, and mythical beings. Two years ago, my creativity found a new spark when we moved from suburbia to a large rural block.
With a spacious studio and nature all around me, I am constantly inspired by the birds in the bushes, blooming flowers, and hidden natural treasures. I live with my head in the clouds, fueled by a vivid imagination that lets each piece springboard into the next. My process is fluid and intuitive-I start with the face, a method so ingrained it feels second nature, and let the ideas grow from there. I love working in small batches, often moving quickly from one idea to the next, ensuring my creativity stays fresh and vibrant.
Where did you learn your craft?
My journey with clay has been one of learning by doing, guided by a natural creativity that has always been part of who I am. While the creative spark has always come naturally, mastering the technical side has been a process I have picked up along the way. I've always been more drawn to working in three dimensions than two, and clay has proven to be the perfect medium to bring my ideas to life.
I am fortunate to have ceramicist friends, some of whom I have exhibited alongside, and we're constantly swapping tips and insights. Living in a world of endless information at our fingertips, I also spend time watching tutorials, following clay pages on Facebook and reading to refine my skills and discover new techniques. It is a constant evolution, and one that keeps my passion for clay alive and growing.
Why is handmade artistry so important to you?
Handmade artistry holds immense value in a world dominated by factory creation because it represents individuality, connection, and human expression. Each handmade piece carries the unique touch of its maker, reflecting their time, skill, and passion -something a machine simply cannot replicate. These creations tell stories, preserve traditions, and celebrate imperfections, making them deeply personal and authentic.
In an era of mass production, handmade artistry reminds us of the beauty of slow, intentional work and the irreplaceable value of creativity and craftsmanship. It connects us to the humanity behind the object. I love the sometimes perfectly imperfectness of handmade with its small quirks and variations that add character and soul. It has also opened up a new world for me, forming new friendships with other creatives. Although working individually tucked away in our studios, we share an online connection. A shared passion of handmade.
Jacq is a much loved member of the Madeit Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ The Handmade Marketplace of Australia ~ and sharing her new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with Funkydory, make sure you join our FB Group and say hi !