meet Peta Armstrong

Peta Armstrong's earthly ceramics are brought to life in her backyard studio, 
in surfie-burb Torquay . . . read on to learn more about this super-creative dreamer & maker.  

tell us about your creative background & studies

I completed a Diploma of Fine Arts in Ceramics at the end of 1997. I then deferred my assessment and stayed on for another year so I could continue working on my technique. I then went on to co-create a small venture with some of my fellow graduates - a shop front with studio space that also offered pottery classes. I found at that stage of my life I was lacking in all types of other life skills required to have the focus I needed. 
Completing Graphic Art & Design studies in 2006 lead me to a position as a pre-press graphic artist and designer for a screenprinting company. I loved this job as it required massive problem-solving skills. I also got on the screen printing tools when required and played a large role in general production management.

'never compare yourself to anyone else or what they are doing . . .'

In 2014 I joined my partner at his surfboard factory and started surfboard repairs and sprays. I still do his surfboard sprays and administration. Unbelievably, this had a huge influence on me returning to ceramics.


how did your craft begin and how has it evolved to this day?

I was in my early 20’s and knew I wanted to be passionate about something so I enrolled in a few short courses - pattern making, creative writing, ceramics, etc - and ceramics stuck so I went for it.
After my initial business venture I kept my hand at, but only just, making a few things here and there. I stopped completely around 2004 and it's the best thing I ever did for my creativity. I STARTED AGAIN AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR (when my son started school) . . . YIPPEE!!!


is there anything or anyone that inspires you or your work?

Inspiration for me is everywhere. It can be a good documentary or reading about someone amazing - a creative or just a human that possesses true grit. N A T U R E. Music inspires me to no end. Painting and all other art forms. A good drive in the car works wonders. Anything that allows me to daydream, like exercise.

'Accept your limitations so you can smash through them . . . and then exceed them'

My partner is a huge inspiration to me! He works hard and takes risks. Someone, with a lot of clout in the industry, once told him that he was 'fearless' in his work . . . I have not been able to shake that. I want to be fearless!


what has your creative journey been like so far?

A M A Z I N G. I enjoy it and am exhausted by it, totally consumed.


what’s one of the most important things you’ve learnt about being an artist?

Never compare yourself to anyone else or what they are doing - this is good for life in general. Your space is sacred.

'I let myself make whatever I want and never question it . . . I just 'do' 
and I never let thinking get in the way of an idea.'

is there anything you hope your artwork brings into people's lives?

I hope they enjoy using them and that they are involved in daily use to the point that they are almost forgotten, but sorely missed if lost!


what’s one of the most exciting things to happen in your creative career so far?

Every time I make is the most exciting thing to happen.

what do you love most about Australia?

The diverse landscape. The flora and fauna is out-of-control beautiful. The multiculturalism. The opportunity. The artists that are uniquely Australian. 

. . . . .

Peta is the latest maker to join the store . . . visit the collection on her maker's page

x x

meet Lisa Peri

Potter, Lisa Peri, grew up on a farm in rural Victoria and spent most of her childhood playing with dirt and mud. After two decades working in Children's Services she has returned to her creative roots, & her love of mud, & now makes a beautiful range of stoneware.   

tell us about your creative background & studies . . . 

I enjoyed studying art in high school. My family painted and I grew up surrounded by creative makers. I would have loved to study art after high school, but was encouraged to seek qualifications in a field which provided job security. I worked in Children’s Services for over twenty years, the last six years primarily with refugee and migrant families. My first formal introduction to ceramics was in 2011. I joined a ceramics class at the Daylesford community house & joined Clay Space - a co-op supporting local ceramic artists. I then enrolled at Ballarat University and completed my Diploma of Ceramics in 2013. 


how did your craft begin and how has it evolved to this day?

I instantly felt a connection to clay . . . however, I became completely addicted the first moment I sat at the wheel in February 2012. I felt an immediate sense of peace and excitement. Creating with clay makes me feel grounded, calm and peaceful. My response when creating is visceral. I have been planning, making, firing or glazing every day since.  

'I have learnt that this wonderful journey I am on is never ending . . . '

is there anything you’d like to share about your creative process?

I remember being very frustrated in the beginning, my ideas and plans far exceeded my ability. Neville French, my teacher, was so calm and supportive and would say, 'just keep going - you learn by doing, practising and making mistakes'. You need to learn how far you can push the clay and discover the clays limits. My creative practise has continued to evolve by ‘doing’. I am constantly thinking and dreaming about my work. I always have a note book by my bed so I can record thoughts and dreams.


is there anything or anyone that inspires you or your work . . . where do you look for inspiration, or does inspiration find you? 

My work with refugee families has positively affected every aspect of my life.  Each family’s resilience, connection and hope is such an inspiration. My local community and diversity in culture and food also influence my work. I also find inspiration in my garden . . . the process of growing, nurturing, harvesting and cooking connects me to the changing seasons. I find inspiration in my relationships and my connections to people. An emotion-evoking memory of my nana or a past conversation also motivates my work. 

'My creative practise has continued to evolve by ‘doing’'

 what has your creative journey been like so far? 

Initially making required me to be patient, determined and to focus on the actual ‘building’ of each object. As I begin to develop confidence and skills, my focus has now shifted to expressing ideas and thoughts through my work. My work is more reflective of me. I am now producing work that I feel connected to and I believe to be more resolved. I am making for me, not for what others find pleasing, I make from my heart now, not my head.


what’s one of the most important things you’ve learnt about being an artist? 

I have learnt that this wonderful journey I am on is never ending, evolving, challenging, exhilarating and heart breaking. I understand that I will, and must, move along the  journey, celebrate the wins, learn from the lows and keep being brave.  

'I don't think anyone should be excluded from feeling the delightful pleasure
of holding a handmade cup while drinking their tea'

do you have any insight or advice you’d like to share with inspiring artists?

Keep working, keep working, and keep working. Experience life, travel, visit exhibitions, see live music, eat out, find like-minded people and be true to yourself.


is there anything you hope your artwork brings into people’s live or gives to the world? 

I like to think I am making pieces with love, for a wide range of my community. My inspiration comes from days gone by, when we all would have had relationships with our butcher, baker, etc. I am the village potter, who provides handmade ceramics for my community at affordable prices. I don’t think anyone should be excluded from feeling the delightful pleasure of holding a handmade cup while drinking their tea. 


what’s one of the most exciting things to happen in your creative career so far? 

Everything is exciting! I have had many great opportunities to work with inspiring people. Each little step I take in my career is so satisfying and encouraging. I feel so lucky to have this opportunity to live my life doing what I love. Everything that happens after that is such a bonus.

'I live a simple life in Blackwood, surrounded by the Wombat and Lerderberg State forests. My partner and I have four wonderful children who bring joy to our lives by spending time together.' 

what do you love most about Australia?

I love Australia for the opportunities it provides my family and I. I love the stability, the safety and peacefulness. I love my local community, the sense of connection, support and belonging. My natural environment is beautiful. I love the flora and fauna and living in the bush. I love that I live one hour from Melbourne and, as I write, two kangaroos jump past my window and kookaburras sing - blissful.


visit Lisa's makers page to see her range of stoneware

It's great to know you better, Lisa, & thank you for sharing with us!
x
 

introducing Erica Sandgren

Emerging Adelaide jewellery artist, Erica Sandgren, creates statement pieces with her
handmade resin beads, sustainable timber & hand-knitted cord. It was a test in patience, waiting for Erica to complete her honours so she had time to make her jewellery for the store. Well worth the wait, I might add!     

tell us about your creative background & studies

I completed my Bachelor of Visual Arts in 2013 majoring in Jewellery + Metal and my Honours in 2014. I have been creating wearable works since my bachelors degree after deciding on my jewellery major.


how did your craft begin and how has it evolved to this day?

I started my bachelors degree knowing I was creative but not knowing where my talents would best fit. I took classes in different mediums with the idea that photography would be my backup option. When I started taking jewellery classes, I actually didn’t enjoy it as much as other classes, but for some reason I felt like it fit. I decided to pursue it though and never looked back. Deciding to do my honours was a big turning point. I wasn’t sure where my practice was going at the end of my bachelors and my honours helped me refine my making style and thought process.

'I never imagined I would be a jewellery artist, it just kind of evolved.' 

is there anything you’d like to share about your creative process?

I can be quite experimental with my making process and tend work on multiple projects at once. I strive to create works that are unique and completely individual, so my customers have their own handmade piece that is different to anyone else's. 


is there anything or anyone that inspires you or your work? 

I am inspired by many things which can sometimes be hard to define. Colour is a major inspiration for me. Different colour combinations and tones are constantly explored and experimented with, in my work. I’m inspired by . . . other jewellers and artists, their work and how they approach their making . . . the world around me and different aspects in nature. There are many things and it changes constantly. It’s only when I’m caught up in one project that I am generally solely inspired by one thing. 

'stay true to who you are and continue to experiment'

what has your creative journey been like so far? 

A bit of a roller coaster. Studying (especially my honours) pushed me to limits I didn’t realise were possible. It also gave me opportunities (exhibitions, stockists etc.) that may not have been possible without continuing to study and pushing my practice. It has been interesting creating and refining my own style of making and continuing to exhibit and be part of creative events . . . it has helped me continue to grow as an artist and maker.


what’s one of the most important things you’ve learnt about being an artist? 

Oh that’s a tough one. Probably to stay true to who you are and continue to experiment. I think it’s important to make sure you are making/creating work that inspires you and makes you want to keep experimenting or exploring your materials/subject matter.

is there anything you hope your artwork brings into people’s lives? 

I’d like to think I create work that brings a little happiness into people’s lives. I also hope people see an individuality and handmade quality that they connect with and appreciate.


what’s one of the most exciting things to happen in your creative career so far? 

Well because I’m still emerging, in my eyes, everything and anything that happens is pretty exciting! Each and every thing that has happened in my creative career is super exciting, the big and the small. 

'I strive to create works that are unique & completely individual'

what do you love most about Australia?

I love Australia’s landscape and people. I think it has a beautiful sense of space . . .
especially outside of the cities, but even in the cities - well Adelaide - in comparison to countries and cities overseas. I was born in England to an English mother and American father and although I loved growing up as a child in England, and visiting family in America, and am very happy we moved to Australia and call this beautiful country home. I am also honoured to be among the makers and creatives in Australia as I believe they are some of the best.

thanks for sharing with us, Erica . . .
it's great to finally have your jewels in the store!
x

visit Erica's maker page to view her collection

meet Holly Marlin

I first discovered Holly Marlin's weavings on Instagram late last year . . . colourful yarns & cruetly-free fibres woven into organic-shapes & suspended from driftwood. I was in love, with what Holly calls, 'fatties' - chunky weavings made from pure wool roving. Holly's wall hangings have been gracing the store for a few months now so it's about time you were introduced to this talented Newcastle-based weaver! 

Holly has been crafty ever since she was young . . .
from the days when her Great Aunt Flo taught her how to knit and crochet.

tell us about your creative background/studies

My sister was very artistic (and competitive!) when we were growing up, so I took the path of least resistance and followed a scientific path instead, crafting on the side. But the creative urge eventually won out, and I ended up studying photography and then interior design while working as an Environmental Scientist. I particularly loved photography, and even started a portrait photography business with my husband, but that fell by the wayside when I discovered weaving a couple of years ago.


how did your craft begin and how has it evolved to this day?

Like many weavers out there at the moment, I first discovered weaving through Maryanne Moodie. I was following her on Facebook when she started posting pictures of amazing textiles, and I just had to learn how to make them! I attended one of her beginner courses, which taught the basic stitches… on the drive home afterwards, my mind was exploding with ideas and possibilities. I have been researching, learning and experimenting ever since. I’m currently working on combining weaving with macramé, crochet, and other off-loom techniques.

Holly's handwoven wall-hangings are made with organic cruelty-free fibres,
like non-mulesed wool & peace silk, and are mounted on locally-foraged driftwood. 
A collection of her beautiful weavings can be found in the store.

I asked Holly to share a little about her creative process . . . 

My materials primarily guide my creative process – they tend to direct the work rather than me directing them! Every piece tends to start with finding a beautiful yarn or fibre and seeing where it takes me.


what inspires you? do you search for inspiration or does it find you?

My materials are the greatest inspiration . . . I am drawn to interesting, natural materials (the more uneven and rustic the better!) and particularly love ones that have been minimally processed. The concepts of wabi sabi and sustainability are also key inspirations for my work.


what has your creative journey been like so far?

Difficult. Exciting. Exhilarating. Stressful. Rewarding. Frustrating!

one of the most important things Holly has learnt about being an artist . . . 
'External validation doesn’t keep the doubt demons away – it only makes them stronger'

do you have any insight or advice to share with inspiring artists?   

I really struggled for a while (and still do, really) with pieces I make that I don’t like. I've felt that I shouldn’t put work out there that I don’t absolutely love. But then I discovered that some people love the pieces I hate! Different pieces speak to different people, so you don’t have to love everything you make. The pieces that you don't love have value – to you, for the lessons they teach, and to others who may love them just the way they are.


is there anything you hope your artwork brings into people’s live?

I hope people fall in love with my work, and that it gives them joy for many years.  


what’s one of the most exciting things to happen in your creative career so far?

It’s always a thrill for me when people love my work, but the most exciting times are when I push my boundaries, try something new, and it turns out better than I hoped it would!

Holly's mini cotton weaving (right) is featured in the new Spring issue of Peppermint

what do you love most about Australia?

No matter where I go in the world, I’ll always come home for Haigh's.


Thank you for sharing, Holly . . . 
it's a joy to have your stunning work in the store. 
x

•  •  •

Holly is the first person I know to relate Australia to chocolate! 
( International readers - Haigh's is a 100 yr-old Australian chocolate company )

The Sugar Hit for Yen Mag

'Skater's High Tea'

by The Sugar Hit for Yen Mag . . .
featuring ceramics by Elnaz Nourizadeh & Susan Simonini
exclusive to the store

the shoot is colourful, punchy & makes you super hungry!

production by the amazing Diana Campbell of The Third Row 
- styled & photographed + recipes by Sarah Coates of The Sugar Hit

• • •

Sarah Coates, the 'gorgeous, talented wench' behind The Sugar Hit, has had her amazing sweet-induced recipes featured on Design Sponge & Huffington Post, to name-drop just a few.
And her new recipe book, 'The Sugar Hit' was released only yesterday! 

I refuse to discuss the fact she is only 24.

featured wares from Skater's High Tea . . .
large platter by Elnaz Nourizadeh   
stoneware tumblers by Susan Simonini & island mug by Elnaz Nourizadeh  

Have a read of Yen Mag to see more cool pics of Elnaz & Susan's ceramics as well other awesome wares from local artists & indie stores.

the 'skater high tea' recipes will be on Sarah's blog over the next couple of weeks . . . 
keep an eye on her instagram for updates!  

big shout-out to Diana, Sarah & Yen Mag
for supporting Australian makers & local independent retailers

x