ABOUT US

Studio Manager, Teacher and Masters Qualified Art Therapist

Aelish has been managing our studio for over 2 years now, and has shifted the place into a creative hub, supporting members, students, and staff to dive into their creativity and find time to express themselves through clay (or any art form!)
She is also a wizard at glaze making, kiln firing and of course... cleaning! She is the perfect person to answer any of your pottery questions, having picked up so many skills along her journey through clay making!

“I remember when I did my first ever 'proper' pottery class at the studio many years ago. I never thought I would end up doing it as a job, but I fell in love with how calm and focussed it aloud my busy brain to become. When I am on the wheel, or handbuilding with clay, it's all I am thinking about. It helps me be in my body, and to connect to myself and the present moment. My favourite thing is seeing that slowness and sense of presence reach my students too. Its so special when you hear that moment of silence in a class, about an hour in, when everyone is just so tuned into what theyre doing with the clay. Its like nothing else I have experienced before. I love it".

Studio Teacher, Big Pot Thrower and All-time Legend

Jordyn began at our studio as a member more than 2 years ago and has been absolutely hooked to the pottery wheel ever since. With a passion for big curvy pots, wild throwing techniques and a kind nature, Jordyn is a world of knowledge when it comes to pottery and tackling challenges head-on. Jordyn, always says that nothing helps her unwind and be completely present like being behind a pottery wheel does. She loves to teach and the excitement that students show when just small little adjustments of hands and movement allow them to unlock the skills of pottery and believe in themselves! 

“I sucked at pottery for quite a long time before it started clicking, and then with consistent practice and patience, one day it just happened and I was able to throw what was in my mind. From there I’ve been able to achieve new shapes which I sell at a roadside stall in Forest Glen. I love that you will never know everything, and that pottery is a hobby you can do for life and constantly be learning and improving”.

Studio Teacher, Visual Arts Teacher, Artist

Monique joined our studio a year ago, teaching wheel work and bringing her passion for creative exploration to our beginner classes. She loves experimenting with the Japanese nerikomi technique, stacking and slicing colored clay to create intricate patterns, as well as marbling clay to create abstract designs that reflect her other art forms.

Though pottery was a challenge for Monique at first, she embraced it, pushing herself to learn and grow. With nearly a decade of experience, she now loves guiding students, helping them build confidence in their own creativity.

“I’ve always believed that everyone is creative—it’s not something you’re just born with or not. It’s like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets. That’s what I love about teaching pottery. I get to help people tap into that creativity, even if they don’t think they have it. Seeing someone go from ‘I can’t do this’ to feeling proud of what they’ve made is the best part.”

Studio Teacher, Incredible Wheel Thrower, Speechy

Starting off as a member of our studio over 2 years ago, Rio developed incredible wheel skills and we were so excited to welcome her to our teaching team in 2024! With an incredible personality and sense of humour, Rio has a no-nonsense approach to teaching pottery making learning easy, accessible and reminding us that we can show you what to do, but you are the one that has to do it!

"A little over two years ago I started my pottery journey with a 4-week course at The Pottery Studio because my partner had just started FIFO work and I needed something to keep myself occupied.
It didn’t take long for me to realise that this new ‘hobby’ was going to take up all my free time-and all the space in my garage! Life moves quickly, and it’s so easy to forget to slow down. But taking time out to sit at the wheel and create something by hand has made all the difference in helping me hit pause, slow down and stay present."

Studio Teacher, kiln Wizard, incredible maker

Joining us at the end of 2024, Chloe has ths incredible ability to adapt her teaching style to fit each student in the class (sometimes 18 at once!) creating a space where creativity can flow and everyone feels supported. Her gentle, caring nature makes learning such a positive experience, and her dedication to art practice in her outside of work life makes her understanding of art materials (including clay) a world of knowledge to tap into!
We also can't get enough of her incredible cow-inspired pieces that she hand creates, each with their own personality, inspired by growing up on a dairy farm when she was younger. We love firing them in the kilns, and love having Chloe as part of our team!

Studio Class & Course Teacher, Kindest Hearted human, school teacher.

Jess has been a studio member with us for two years, and after falling in love with pottery through our handbuilding and wheel courses, she started teaching with us earlier this year. Her genuine passion for pottery, along with her kind and caring nature, has made her an invaluable part of our team.

"I stepped into the world of pottery as a complete beginner, and didn’t realise how much I’d deep dive into the world of ceramics. Becoming a member of the studio showed me the incredible creativity of the members and teachers- all working with the same medium yet producing completely unique results. There’s also something so humbling about working with clay, yet it’s deeply fulfilling at the same time. The hum of the wheel, the shared laughter over wonky pots, and the small victories of a piece surviving the kiln—it all becomes part of the joy. For me, it’s the peace and creativity that first drew me in, the community that keeps me coming back, and the personal growth within the process that makes me stay."

Studio Teacher, kiln Wizard, incredible maker

Katie joined our studio with a unique and captivating approach to pottery, diving into sculptures and thought-provoking work that pushes boundaries. Though she hasn’t been practicing pottery for long, Katie’s exceptional handbuilding skills, creativity, and passion for learning have quickly made her an inspiring part of our community. Her journey started at TAFE, and since then, her dedication to her craft has been nothing short of impressive. From candle holders and sculptures of heads to crocs with toes and tarot cards, Katie’s work is full of personality, expression, and a true mastery of form.

Her hunger for learning is matched by her desire to teach and support others. Katie is putting in the time to master the wheel, with plans to eventually join our wheel throwing course teaching team. Her kind nature, eagerness to grow, and passion for pottery make her a wonderful teacher and an even better human being.