Melbourne Clay School

I think after 20 years I may have finally got my head around Brongniart’s Formula.

And in the end, it wasn’t that complicated.

It has me wondering why some things seem like mountains one day and a stroll in the park the next. The formula didn’t change. I didn’t suddenly become smarter. I just finally had enough experience and context for it to click.

Maybe that’s one of the rewards of sticking with something for a long time. Every now and then a concept that has sat just out of reach for years suddenly makes perfect sense. Does the learning ever end? I hope not, it’s the best part of my job.

A cold Melbourne day outside, but plenty of warmth, learning and creativity inside at Melbourne Clay Pottery today.

Our Images to Clay workshop with Jessie Pittard was packed with techniques, ideas and experimentation as participants explored ways of translating imagery into ceramic surfaces and forms. From mark-making and texture through to image transfer approaches, there was no shortage of new skills to take home and continue developing in the studio.

This is the third year running that we’ve hosted this workshop, and it continues to be met with great enthusiasm. It’s easy to see why. Jessie puts in many hours of preparation to ensure the day runs smoothly, and her generous approach to sharing knowledge creates an engaging and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

It was wonderful to see participants so engaged, sharing discoveries, solving problems and embracing the possibilities that emerge when images and clay meet.

A huge thank you to Jessie for such a well-run and inspiring workshop, and to all the participants who braved the winter weather to join us.

And finally, a completely unrelated but important observation: the poinsettias in the around the studio are looking absolutely spectacular right now. 🌺

Today’s one-day workshop with Csilla Csongvay and Matt Blackwood explored design thinking through making.

Starting with structured and open-ended cardboard exercises, participants investigated form, constraint and material efficiency before translating ideas into clay through slab-building techniques. By the afternoon, brains had folded themselves almost as much as the paper as sketches became structures and structures became objects.

The day focused on process over outcome, encouraging experimentation, iteration and material awareness across disciplines. A brilliant group of ceramicists, designers and curious makers all pushing ideas around through material.

Spiral wedging workshop with Colin Hopkins today. Huge leaps and bounds in skills from everyone by the end of the session.

One of those techniques that looks simple until you try it — then suddenly everything clicks. Great energy, lots of laughs, and a lot of very well wedged clay.

Last night in this beautiful space after 19 unforgettable years. Feeling all the nostalgia as we close this chapter.

Tomorrow, a new story begins here with .studio 🤍

Beginner and intermediate pottery classes are finally back and being hosted by our studio partners .studio here

The and are excited to welcome Amfora Studios as our new studio partner.

Amfora will be running beginner and intermediate classes in wheel throwing and hand building—bringing a fresh energy to the space and creating an accessible pathway into ceramics. Their program is a perfect complement to our professional development focus, strengthening the full spectrum of learning within our community.

Our studio in The Mercator Building is bathed in beautiful north light, has always been a place for growth, exchange, and skill-building. Teaching has long been an integral part of our practice, and it feels especially meaningful to see Amfora pick up the baton—reintroducing entry-level opportunities that the Abbotsford Convent community has been missing since our shift in focus after COVID.

We’re looking forward to seeing new makers come through the doors and to supporting the next generation of ceramic artists alongside Amfora.

Follow .studio for class announcements, bookings and studio access programs.