Introducing Victoria from Trinket Ceramics. Where every item is handmade!! From her home in Melbourne, she uses stoneware clay to create functional and decorative wares.
Find out why Victoria started creating and why she is so passionate about the value of handmade.
Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.
I design and make ceramic pieces primarily on a pottery wheel and occasionally by hand. I use stoneware clay to make functional and decorative wares. All pieces undergo 2 firing stages, bisque firing and glaze firing. I fire in an oxidation /electric kiln to cone 9 or 10 (1260 - 1280 degrees Celsius) depending on the glaze. I make all of my glazes using raw materials which I source from pottery stores.
Dip glazing is the technique I prefer to use to achieve variations of tones and layers. Each pottery piece is one of a kind and unique in its own way. I use a dark bodied clay and a white / speckled clay. Both clays respond differently to each glaze, offering a wider range of colours.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.
Ceramics became a part of my everyday conversations with my husband when he began providing electrical services to the ceramics community. This initially inspired me to join a hand building class where I was able to reconnect to my creative side.
I took it further by moving to a wheel throwing class, this is where I realised that throwing is my jam!
I have gained knowledge and passion for ceramics and feel very grateful to be able to throw my way through life.
What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?
I love lace, trinket bowls and the beauty in everyday items, which initially inspired me to add lace detailing to all trinket dishes. As my craft developed I visited with a local potter, Lisa Peri who inspired me to leap into the daunting yet fun world of glazing. Colour became the new focus where I experimented with a wide range of glaze recipes.
Finding compatibilities within the glazes, I have been able to layer colours to add depth and vibrancy into my work. Markets have also been a wonderful avenue of meeting people and gaining insight into which pieces speak to them, providing guidance towards new creations.
Where did you learn your craft?
I started in a hand building class at Two Creeks Clay Studio learning techniques such as coils, slabs and pinch pots. I also participated in wheel throwing classes with local ceramicists Elnaz Nourizadeh for a term. Elnaz directed me to Kevin Boyd at Neo Ceramics where I engaged in 2 semesters of group classes. I later returned to Neo Ceramics and participated in a 6-week slip casting course with Jack Balfour.
Why is handmade artistry so important to you?
Handmade is important as it is a means of expression. No two pieces are the same, adding character and charm into wares. Getting lost in the process for me is a form of meditation where I can disconnect from the outside world and enter a flow state.
Using natural materials to create durable, long lasting wares has become more sort after within the community. I have had many chats with customers who are slowly replacing mass produced ceramics with locally handmade wares.
Victoria is a much loved member of the MadeIt Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ MadeIt: Handmade not Massmade Australia ~ and sharing their new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with Trinket Ceramics make sure you join our FB Group and say hi !
