July 2023
ISSUE #034
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Happy 40th Birthday
To Our Club
On 8 June last month, our club - Shorncliffe Pottery Club - had been operating continuously in the 4017 area for exactly 40 YEARS!!! The nascent club leased a shop in Pier Avenue Shorncliffe and held its first ever meeting there on 8 June 1983!! Before that, Shorncliffe Pottery Club (then-unincorporated) had its informal beginnings in the 70s under the Shorncliffe house of an active local couple, Herbie and Carmel van Houtum of the then “Dutch Australian Social Club of Sandgate” (DASCOS).
When the Pier Avenue shop was subsumed into the redevelopment of St. Patrick’s College Shorncliffe, the club relocated to under the 1911-12 Sandgate Town Hall. This was probably not a great idea with stoneware kilns firing to 1260° Celsius! And when Brisbane City Council wanted to refurbish the historic Town Hall, we were once again looking for a new home. Sandgate PCYC came to the rescue and in early 2006 invited us into a new 9x5 Titan shed they'd built, located out the back of the main PCYC Sandgate Hall in Kempster Street. The club has been there ever since. We incorporated again in September 2020, and operate autonomously there with the PCYC as our landlord on a "Community Facility Lease" they hold from Brisbane City Council.
Happy 40th Birthday,
Shorncliffe Pottery Club Inc!!!!
Thanks to Ken B. and Cheryl R. for the story
Hello Potters
Congratulations to the potters on achieving such a historic milestone! It takes the sum of very committed members to achieve this sort of feat. We should all feel very proud of what we have achieved, and continue to achieve, as we collectively push the club forward on to new and exciting journeys.
Well, it is truely a bit nippy down in the shed on a Thursday night now. Only the diehard potters are braving the elements. But the weekly fix for getting clay on our hands is strong, no matter the weather. So there is still a good turn out.
Please note that the weekday sessions are now
10am to 2pm.
The Ekka is just around the corner I hope that some of you put an entry in this year. The entries have closed so if you missed out this year there is always next. Also the Crackpot Challenge is on again, see below for details. And don’t forget the Moreton Bay Art Prize is on until 19 August 2023, if you are looking for an artistic thing to do on the weekend.
There is a lot happening in the world of ceramics nowadays, so if you see an exhibition or something that might be useful to other potters write it down and send it in to us here for inclusion in the newsletter.
There are also some more useful pottery tips from the ‘Collected Wisdom’ newsletters further down that may make your pottery life much easier. Plus we have popped all the tips, hacks and techniques onto a ‘Tips’ page on our club website so that you can refer to them easily.
We really want to see our talented members’ work, so upload your pics to our instagram or facebook page, or email them for inclusion on social media.
Ed Trost - newsletter editor
club email: shorncliffepotteryclubinc@gmail.com
Tuesday + Wednesday + Thursday
10:00am—2:00pm
Thursday Evenings
6:00pm—9:00pm
Saturday Mornings
9:00am—1:00pm
SESSION FEE
$7.00 per visit, payable by debit or credit card at the shed.
From the Kiln Room
The good news is that both of the kilns are firing again thanks to the installation of new elements. However the smaller kiln is not behaving properly and not reaching the correct temperature – so we have to wait for the electrician to come back and repair it. With all things going well and the kiln gods smiling down on us, this should occur by the time you read this newsletter. Otherwise it is continuing on with the big kiln and firing will be slower in its execution. So bear with us.
Thanks to Gus for collecting some more clay from our supplier. Now you should be able to get what you need, to create your ceramic masterpieces.
Linda, Gus, Jean, Katrina, Lynne, Douglas
And Catherine and Gabriel from the glaze room
Do you know anyone that shows an interest in your pottery?
If you do, why not invite them to come and try pottery for themselves. The first session is free and you know that once you have made something with clay… you’re hooked!
Look out for the new orange aprons on the supervisors
Hi, I’m Rebecca
I’m married and work in the state govt. I started my pottery journey 3 years ago. At the moment, I only do hand building as I find there’s too many interesting things I want to make. When I’m not being potty, I like to grow my own veges or watch a footy game with my hubby.
See you every second Thursday night. 😊
Hi, I’m Tamara
I have been potting since 2018 when I started my clay journey on the wheel. I joined the SPCInc at the start of 2020 as a way to connect with other potters and be part of a clay community. Wanting to develop new skills I started attending wheel and hand building workshops offered through the club, CA Qld and other ceramic artists. Hand building is currently my favourite method to create and I look forward to one day sharing the knowledge I have gained through the workshops.
Hi, I’m Suzanne
Hi I’m Suzanne and I have been learning pottery for around 18 months. I have been hand building all kinds of weird and wonderful things from chooks to sheep and luminaries! Pottery is a great way to destress and relax 😊 I love to travel and now find myself checking out pottery related shopping wherever I visit!
Looking forward to seeing you every second Saturday morning.
Hi, I’m Douglas
I’m your Wednesday supervisor. I’ve had an obsession with all things pottery since my early teens. I wheel throw, hand build and have been known to sculpt. Pottery for me is about continued exploration of new ideas and techniques. Our club studio is a great place of enjoyment for me and I hope it will be yours too.
Hi, I’m Melina
Melina is a supervisor on Tuesdays. She has a love of clay and has been playing with mud for the past 25 years. She started in Townsville with hand building, sculpting and wheel turning. She continues her journey making a variety of small batch and one of a kind organic pieces, she enjoys experimenting with different clays and is constantly learning new ways of making ceramics. Melina is an experienced designer, maker and vendor of art, craft, jewellery, accessories and decor, with a career spanning over 40 years.
Hi, I’m Ruth
I have worked in the design, visual arts and creative space since the 1980’s. I haven’t touched clay since high school but found it again last year. I attribute my growing love for it to a feeling of well-being that I was missing and a connection to a like minded community. My pieces are generally ‘the weirder the better’. Currently I have one of my organic candelabras showing in a gallery in Paddington.
I look forward to connecting with you on a Thursday morning.
Hi, I’m Linda
Linda is currently taking some
well-earned rest and a holiday back to the states. She has been a hardworking volunteer at the club, from covering as a Supervisor to kiln team leader and sausage sizzler stalwart.
We look forward to her return in the near future.
Hi, I’m Amy
And I'm new to the pottery world, but I'm quickly realising how amazing this craft can be and can't seem to get enough of it! I have a photography and graphic design background and when I'm not daydreaming about hand building or throwing jars... I am hiking and freediving any spare moments I have!
Hi, I’m Lyn
I’m away at the moment and no-one could find a photo of me, ha ha, but I look forward to introducing myself to you down at the shed when I get back.
Hi, I’m Gus
Hi I’m Greg, but most of you know me as Gus. I currently am not a regular supervisor but may come in to fill in from time to time to wear the orange apron. My history with the club is that I was a regular Thursday night and Saturday supervisor for a number of years and helped with the kilns until I moved away.
I do call in on occasion and am always willing to lend a hand.
Gift Certificates Available
The SPCI Gift Certificate is now available for purchase from the Membership Officer. If you would like to purchase this wonderful gift contact Tamara V. here
shorncliffepotteryclubincmembership@hotmail.com
Club Clay Options and Details
These are the current clay bodies that we generally have in our store. If you have another clay that you prefer, speak to Linda R. to see if she can get it in.
Being Respectful, Feeling Safe
The club’s Code of Conduct was written to guide the safety and respect of members. Developing friendships, being co-operative, sharing ideas and skills as well as being respectful to each other in words and actions is something in which the club takes great pride. When members are working in the studio or interacting with other members via electronic means, everyone has a right to feel safe and not harassed.
The Code of Conduct can be found in your membership document or you can request a copy from the Membership Officer here or you can read it here.
Shorncliffe Pottery Club Inc. has signed up with Containers for Change - a simple recycling system for cans and bottles. It’s easy to do. Take your recyclables to a Containers for Change site and use our unique Scheme ID number for the money from the recycling to go directly into the Shorncliffe Pottery Club Inc. bank account.
ID Number: C10465553
If the Scheme ID isn't working (argh technology!) and you get cash instead from the recycling machine, just pop the money in the tea jar in the club’s kitchenette.
amount recycled to date:
$231.51
thank you!
Club Tuition for Members
by Members
Tuition could be in wheel throwing, handbuilding or glaze making. The rate is $35 per hour. From this, the club will take 20% commission. All payments must go via the club.
The club entry fee of $7 will apply for the learner member, but the tutor will be admitted as a volunteer for the session.
If this is something that you would like as a tutor or a learner please contact the committee using the club email :
It’s that time of year again. The Einbunpin Festival is on!
Since 1992, the Einbunpin Festival is a celebration by and for the community about those things that make the Sandgate district special – the village atmosphere, the environment and the diverse talents and cultures that make up the community.
The Einbunpin Festival continues to provide an opportunity for the community to come together and show-off the vibrancy and artistic talents found in the district. It’s a great chance to learn about our local community, and catch up with friends.
The Festival consists of locals who volunteer to make it a success. The Festival is situated in the heart of Sandgate and held around the lagoon and parkland in Brighton Rd, Sandgate (bordered by Keogh St, Lagoon St and Bowser Pde).
And Yes members, we have a stall again and we need your help!
Do you have creations at home gathering dust? Well why not make some extra money and sell them at our stall.
We also need volunteers to help with the following:
Needed ASAP:
Assistance with the event coordination *URGENT*
Also needed on the day:
Set up site: from approx 6.30am
Sales: 9.00am to 11.30am
Wheel demo: 9.30am
Wheel demo: 11.00am
Sales: 11.30am to 2.00pm
Wheel demo: 12.30pm
Sales: 2.00pm to 4.00pm
Wheel demo: 2.00pm
Pack up site: 4.00pm
So, if you'd like to sell some of your creations or can volunteer your time to assist please let us know by emailing the club! ASAP
If you have items to sell - we will send you instructions on how to label your pieces for sale, a Sales Sheet to fill out (for tracking sales) and instructions for where to deliver your pieces on the day. Note: The Club will retain 10% of the sales to help pay for the stall and for use of the Square to process the sale.
Volunteer and intention to sell due: ASAP
Return of Sales form due: 25th July
Questions? email: shorncliffepotteryclubinc@gmail.com
Wide Bay Burnett Potters
Annual Potters Convention 2023
Hosted by North Pine Potters, Dayboro Rd, Petrie Markets
Pottery Barn (Old Petrie Town)
9am to 3pm, 16th & 17th September 2023
901 Dayboro Rd, Whiteside, North Brisbane
It is that time of year again; planning is already well underway for the 4017 Bayside Open Studios 2023 Event. Your committee is working hard in the background to make this third year better than ever. Of course, this event cannot happen without you the artists, your awesome studio spaces, and your artworks so we hope you will consider participating this year.
OPEN STUDIOS TWO WEEKENDS:
SATURDAY/SUNDAY 14/15 OCTOBER AND 21/22 OCTOBER
EACH DAY FROM 10AM TO 4PM
Save The Dates
Australian Ceramics Open Studios (ACOS) is an annual, nationwide, weekend event that celebrates clay, community and creativity.
Hosted by The Australian Ceramics Association, ceramics studios around Australia open their doors to offer a peek into their making, practical demonstrations and the opportunity to take home a handmade piece.
NOTE: Expressions of Interest for opening your studio will open in May 2023.
An excellent result recently from one of our members’ midfire glaze pieces.
The Moreton Bay Region Art Prize is an annual exhibition and prize that supports and celebrates the diverse creative talent of local artists.
The exhibition will showcase artwork from artists who have been selected as finalists for the Moreton Bay Art Prize.
When
Saturday, 03 June 2023 - Saturday, 19 August 2023
The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Where
Pine Rivers Art Gallery, 130 - 134 Gympie Road, Strathpine 4500
Crackpot Cup Competition 2023
Exhibition: 6-17 September
It’s on again this year – the Crackpot Cup Competition. So hurry and start making that winning cup!
3 Categories: Functional, Fantasy and Retro.
Key Dates:
Entries Open: 1 June 2023
Entries Close: 11 August 2023
Finalists Notified: 16 August 2023
Delivery of finalists work: 21 August – 25 August 2023
All finalist cups will be displayed and available for sale in The Cup Exhibition to be held at Crackpot Studios and Gallery, 20 Lawrence Street, Freshwater, NSW.
50 Years of Handy Hints
We are fortunate to have received a very useful book titled “Collected Wisdom – 50 years of handy hints” from the Ceramic Study Group, Australia supplied to us by Clare H. from her trip to Gulgong. It is a collection of tips and techniques gathered and published in their newsletters since the 1960’s. Each month we will delve into this vast archive of information regarding all things ceramics and bring to you snippets of their collected wisdom.
Plus we have popped all the tips, hacks and techniques onto a ‘Tips’ page on our club website so that you can refer to them easily.
November 2012
It is very annoying to get thick dribbles on a pot during glazing. Efforts to remove them by rubbing with finger often results in removing glaze on body of pot and getting thin patches. Some people use a knife but this can cause thick areas to flake off. The best tool is a small kitchen sieve, which you can pick up cheaply at the supermarket. Use the curved surface to allow specific spots to be rubbed down without touching the other areas.
March 2013
For a great little wire tool take a 'U' bolt with two nuts on either side and a taught wire in between. Put Loctite (from the hardware store) on threads before screwing nuts in place. U bolts come in different sizes so you can make a few depending on your needs.
Make yourself a spray booth by cutting a square hole in the side of a 20 litre bucket with a hacksaw or angle grinder. Put a small plastic turntable (from the cheap shops) inside and put lid back on top. Remember to wear safety equipment when you are spraying.
President: Douglas Ainsworth
Vice President: Ken Bull
Treasurer: Tamara Vitale
Secretary: Rose Kelly
Committee Members: Suzanne Bell, Barbara Fletcher,
Linda Rosenthal, Gus Saunders
Newsletter Editor: Ed Trost
email: shorncliffepotteryclubinc@gmail.com
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