Potter puts his art to work for local soup kitchen

Margaret River Region Open Studios artist Ian Dowling is turning his craft into community connection, coordinating the creation of handmade bowls for the fundraiser – Margaret River Soupie.

Twenty seven artists (12 are involved in MRROS) are involved, donating bowls for a one-off feast and providing ceramic artwork for a concurrent month-long exhibition at Nala Bardic Mia – the Margaret River Heart.

Ian Dowling, with the team of potters, sculptors and ceramic artists is once again putting his skills to work for the Margaret River Soup Kitchen, making purpose-built ceramic bowls for the community fundraiser during Margaret River Region Open Studios
(MRROS), running from 12 to 27 September.

“The group of clay workers in Margaret River dug, mixed and sieved their own clay using blends from local Margaret River and recycled clays to make bowls for the soup kitchen,” Ian said.

“The Bowls for Soupie Feast night is organised by the Margaret River Community Centre and held on September 17 at Nala Bardic Mia, The Heart Margaret River.”

Tickets are available from Arts Margaret River @artsmargaretriver.

For Ian, the bowls are about more than their practical purpose — they are another way of using creativity to bring people together.

“On feast night volunteers work with Soupie chef Tony Howell to feed the masses while ticket holders can purchase from a range of functional, decorative and sculptural bowls,” he said.

“The local Soupie is a great part of the community and opens every Monday and Wednesday from 5pm. They offer low-cost, nutritious meals and locals enjoy getting together to share a chat and great curries.”

Ian’s lifelong relationship with clay and fire began in 1970. More than 40 years ago, he moved to the southwest to develop his craft, inspired by the region’s natural environment.

“I established Margaret River Pottery, which became part of The Old Settlement, and later the main street. I continued making functional pots along with more sculptural pieces.

“This included many years placing large-scale ceramics into public art in many well-known places across Australia, including the Crown Towers in Perth and Sydney.”

Ian jokes that he is simply a “potter” these days, retired from ceramic art installations on building sites, enjoying time in his studio combining functional pots with larger sculptural work. He is happy sharing his knowledge and demonstrating during the opening of his studio to visitors during MRROS.

MRROS Chair Jacquie Happ said Ian’s story was a wonderful example of the many ways art and creativity contributes to the Margaret River Region community.

“Artists are often among the first to donate their work to a good cause, just as Ian has done for the soup kitchen. As part of our own fundraising efforts, 25 Open Studio artists have painted works for the Art Party Incognito Silent Auction, and we’re grateful to Jackson’s for donating the canvases. Funds raised help us keep participation fees as reasonable as possible and grow our marketing reach.”

“From 12 to 27 September, artists from across the City of Busselton and Shire of Augusta Margaret River will throw open their studio doors for the 13th annual Margaret River Region Open Studios.”

The free 16-day event gives visitors the opportunity to meet the region’s diverse community of artists, explore their creative spaces and purchase original artwork directly from the makers.

Ian’s studio will feature many new functional pots, decorative works and sculptural clay explorations during MRROS.

Visitors planning to attend MRROS are encouraged to book accommodation through presenting partner privateproperties.com.au or visit mrropenstudios.com.au.