Blanche is based in the Northern Rivers where she creates ceramic pieces to be treasured in the quieter moments or shared with loved ones around the table. All pieces are made in small batches predominantly on the wheel and incorporate hand built elements or textures. They are carefully crafted with durability and comfort in mind and designed to be cherished in everyday life.
Patterns and movements in nature heavily inspire her work and pottery invites an endless variety of ways to explore these ideas through form, texture and colour. Learning from a diverse range of skilled potters over the years has given Blanche an array of techniques and ways of thinking to draw from. She can be found working away in her shed on numerous ideas all at once with her beloved studio companion Daisy the kelpie.
ABOUT
I was born in Perth, WA and a passion for the handmade was innate within me from a young age. I have the fondest memories of learning crafts with Aunty Audrey and knitting with my Nan while our marble cake baked in the oven. I completed my Architecture degree where discovered my love for drawing, model and furniture making. These skills were lovingly nurtured by my Uncle J and Aunty K which I am grateful for. During my studies I also had a go at photography, jewellery, macrame, illustration, weaving and interned at a letter press printer, but I kept searching for something to really draw me in.
I decided to try my hand at pottery years later with a few moody Melbourne afternoons at local artist Valerie Restarick’s studio. I went on to work with and learn from exceptional potters Sophie Moran and Emma of Pom-me-granite. My love and understanding of ceramics blossomed with them, I will always admire their skill and dedication to the craft. I have many memorable moments with a cup of tea discussing the life of a potter, clay origins and philosophies.
After a move to the Northern Rivers I interned with Sit Still Lauren and dabbled in producing a range of my own pieces. This led to a role in production pottery with Greg Furney of Villa Rustica Ceramics where my skills were tested and grew exponentially. I am currently focused on improving my technical ability with wheel throwing, undertaking numerous glaze tests (and chemistry lessons) and dreaming up new larger scale ideas. I have been disciplined and committed to my growth as a potter and have gained invaluable experience over the last 5 years. However, I still recognise I am taking my first steps as a potter and look forward to unraveling new concepts and finding my feet with clay.
MY STORY
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
COUNTRY
I acknowledge the Coodjingburra people of the Bundjalung nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I live and work. I pay my respects to all First Nations peoples, their Ancestors and Elders past, present and emerging.
I am in awe of the nature that surrounds me here in the small coastal town of Kingscliff and of the wider Northern Rivers region. I am grateful to be a guest on this land that has belonged to and been cared for by the Coodjingburra people for more than 10,000 years.
TEACHERS
I have had the privilege to learn from many skilled ceramicists over the last five years and I wouldn’t be who I am as a maker without them. I humbly thank them for their time, patience and generosity and feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from them.
