When finishing high school in 1984 in Tully I moved to Townsville to begin a Diploma of Art.
Having had attended a few pottery classes and used my Mum’s wheel as a child, it was here that I majored in ceramics and fell in love with the process of creating with earth, water, air, and fire.
On leaving college I was drawn to Southeast Queensland to further my experience and education working in production potteries. Amongst working in many small pottery studios for four years, I worked at Cronulla Pottery at Burleigh heads. This was a family owned business run by Geoffrey Walker, an inspirational potter and a wealth of wisdom. For my time here I worked as a finisher, and spent many, many hours watching three production potters throw, while I did all of the finishing and handling, carving and decorating of the pottery.
When my first child arrived I stepped back from pottery for many years only to spend small pockets of time over the next 25 years keeping my skills and love for this art alive, through a few Tafe courses in Cairns. I eagerly soaked up as much knowledge as I could from Kerry Greison and Carole Lomax during this time.
Remembering my passion and love for this art began to rise as my children were grown and more space presented to me. 3 years ago I joined the Cairns Potters club and began pottery as a hobby.
I have a strong connection to the elements and this is an inspiration as I create. My vessels are testimony to that as I entwine symbols throughout my pieces that can be interpreted in whichever way the viewer wishes.
My intention is that my pottery helps facilitate and support feeling in people. That they take time to sit and be with that cuppa tea, that bowl of soup and have a moment. Time with themselves to breathe in, and breathe out and connect. It’s all about the slowing down and enjoying the time we have here.
I started back as a hobby potter and now mostly sell in ‘Shop Drops’ on my website where I release a collection at a time.
Forever a student of this craft.
Website: www.ZaMama.love
Insta: zamama_pottery
Kind regards Jillian
