We're back with another Stone Studio teacher highlight. This week, we're shining the spotlight on one of our extremely talented and passionate Hand Building Teachers. Get ready to meet Tash.
For Tash, hand building is not just a skill, it's a form of meditation. She believes that the process of moulding and shaping clay allows her to switch off from the world and enter a peaceful state of mind. When she's working with the clay, Tash is completely present and focused, allowing her to forget about everything else going on around her. Tash is always eager to share this passion with her students, encouraging them to let go of their worries and anxieties and to embrace the calming effects of working with clay in both workshop or course pottery experiences at Stone Studio.
Q: Can you share a little about your journey with pottery? How did you first get started? and where you are on that journey today?
A: I had purchased my first ever bag of pottery clay as a weekend activity to do at home. The first time I made something I found myself so lost in the process, I ended up doing it for about 4 hours. That's when I realised how meditative and calming clay play can be. From that moment onwards, pottery became by alone time, or my way to "switch off" from everything else happening around me.
Q: Do you sell your work? if so, where can we go to see it / buy it?
A:I feel incredibly grateful to say that I do sell my work. A couple of years ago I started selling my work through some stockists around Australia. I also have a dedicated website where you can see and purchase of a few of my pieces.
I specialise in Floor Vases and have even started creating some basins which is really exciting. You can see or stay up to date with my portfolio on my Instagram account @tash.ceramics
See Tash's website at tashceramics.com
Q: How long have you been Hand Building? + How long have you been teaching at Stone Studio?
A: I have been hand building for a total of 5 years and teaching at Stone for approximately 2 years.
Q: What is your favourite thing about Hand Building?
A: I love the slower pace of hand building, the fact that each piece is formed just with your hands and maybe a tool or two has a real beauty in the end form. Each piece reflects the maker's individual style and personality. Hand building allows for greater creativity and experimentation, with endless possibilities for shape, texture, and decoration. It's all a process of discovery that requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to embrace the imperfections.
Q: If you could learn / expand on one skill, what would it be?
A: Secretly... I would also love to learn wheel throwing. But I'm not sure that I have the patience to learn it. So for now, maybe I will stick to what I’m good at! In saying that, I am always looking for ways to expand my skills or learn something new, whether that is from my peers or through an advanced workshop experience.
Q: How has pottery impacted your life and your confidence?
A: Pottery has been an incredibly empowering experience that has allowed me to tap into my creativity and gain a greater sense of confidence in myself as an artist. It has been a personal mediation practice as well as allowing me to teach and share my knowledge with others, which is always so rewarding.
