My love for clay began 30 years ago in Hong Kong, where I first explored hand-building and coiling vessels as a creative counterbalance to my career in academia. Though my research career took precedence for many years, the pull of the creative process was undeniable. After retiring in 2021 and relocating to Dunsborough, Western Australia, I had the privilege of studying wheel-throwing under the mentorship of a local master potter. It was then that my passion for creating functional stoneware pottery truly took shape.
Now, in my sunlit studio by the coast, I craft pieces that marry beauty with functionality, for example vases, bowls, and mugs that are designed to bring warmth and quiet joy to everyday moments. The process of working with clay is meditative and deeply satisfying. I take pleasure in the tactile connection between my hands, the clay, and the wheel, where I shape each piece with intention. The way a mug fits perfectly in the palm, the curve of a bowl, or the gentle swell of a vase’s belly all reflect the rhythm and flow of the clay.
The visual world is my inspiration, from natural landforms to masterpieces of architecture and sculpture, to the ever-changing textures and colours of the landscape. My glaze palette is inspired by the pinks and peaches of sunrise, the blues and greens of the ocean, the unique flora and fauna of the South West, and the rich yellows and reds of the earth beneath my feet. My glazes capture the beauty I see around me each day. The science of glaze chemistry fascinates me, as I continue to explore how different recipes can yield subtle variations in colour and texture—an ongoing adventure that adds depth to my practice.
I invite you to visit my calm and inviting studio space and experience my pottery firsthand. I believe that the tactile nature of each piece invites connection, and I hope that my work becomes part of your daily rituals, adding beauty, mindfulness, and a sense of peace to life’s simplest moments.