RED MUG

The Ceramic Arts Association of Western Australia proudly presents the Members’ Selective Exhibition for 2025. With over 70 artists represented this year this exhibition reflects the diversity and creativity within the WA ceramic arts community. This includes hobbyists, students and professional artists. All participants have the opportunity to be considered for the Kusnik Award, WA’s premier award for ceramics valued at $7,500 thanks to major sponsors Midland Brick.

The exhibition will be open to the public at Wireless Hill Museum, Ardross from Friday October 3rd - Saturday November 15th. Opening night will be 6 - 8.30pm on Thursday 2nd October and will also celebrate the first day of Wedge, Australian Ceramics Triennale.
Opening times:
Wed - Fri 10am - 4pm
Sat-Sun 10am-3pm

Thank you to our sponsors:





potters.market




Look forward to seeing you all soon,

I want to start a daily story project to express the emotions I’ve poured into my journey with Commonage Pottery.

I still remember the first time I came here in 2015 to deliver stock with Gary Hambleton. That visit left a deep impression on me. I was captivated by the few pieces of pottery I saw, and I couldn’t help but notice the potential this place held for artwork. Wandering through its quiet passages, I felt the strength in its foundation, though time had caused it to wither in places.

It felt like the right moment to breathe new energy into the space.

Over time, I formed a deep connection with this place, becoming an artist in residence later that same year. From then on, it became more than just a studio; it became part of my life.

Even now, I often find myself wandering here in the early mornings, the sunlight gently streaming in. The quiet beauty of those moments fills me with peace. My heart finds its rhythm, and my breathing aligns with the calm of the space.

I have had the privilege of nurturing this place for the past 5.5 years, crafting and caring for it as it has shaped me in return.

Fresh from the kiln! These Hakea leaf-inspired sgraffito bowls came out with the most beautiful soft blue glaze, perfectly smooth and no crazing in sight. It’s not often you get a glaze to land just right like this, so I’m feeling pretty excited to share them with you all. Time to start creating some more magic —stay tuned for what’s next!

Reduction fired Cone 11

Happiness is a pottery piece crafted with loved, bisque fired with care, glazed with a perspective.

Ocean and her first pottery pots ready to travel with her as she unfolds new avenues in New Zealand ❤️

You will be missed ocean 🌊

❤️
J

Meet our professionally adopted past student future master potter.

So happy to have you here for a terrific time.

🌻 Looking forward for some exciting work and fun time.

Glass has always captured my imagination with its playful, versatile nature. It transforms so dramatically with heat, flowing freely in one moment and becoming fragile and delicate the next. Though my primary work lies in ceramics, my creative spirit is often drawn to the fascinating possibilities glass holds. Its ability to shift between fluidity and stillness reflects a balance that constantly intrigues me, even when limitations of material and infrastructure temper my exploration.

In 2015, I had the pleasure of meeting Namaya Fox, a second-generation glass artist, during one of my visits to Australia. Fast forward to December 2023, and Namaya became an artist in residence at Commonage Pottery, where I now manage the pottery gallery. His skill and vision in glass are mesmerizing—he crafts intricate forms with such precision that every piece seems to capture the very essence of the material.Namaya works independently, bringing his own unique artistry to our gallery.

Watching him shape glass, whether through delicate threads or fluid forms, never ceases to inspire awe. He embodies the spirit of innovation, pushing the boundaries of what glass can become while honoring the age-old techniques passed down through generations.

As we prepare for Margaret River Region Open Studios 2024, I am reminded of the incredible collective spirit that binds us all.

This year’s event isn’t just a showcase of ceramic art, but a celebration of artists like Namaya, who explore new mediums and invite us to see the world through a different lens.

My belief in the power of artists and their creative journey is at the heart of this event. It is about embracing the evolving nature of our craft, supporting each other, and sharing the magic that happens when we dare to dream beyond the ordinary.I invite you to be part of this journey—where the beauty of glass and ceramics unite, and where we celebrate the extraordinary talent within the Margaret River community.

May 2024: A Milestone in My Journey

As I stand on the threshold of Mid 2024, I find myself reflecting on a journey that has been nothing short of transformative. This month marks 10 years since I began my path with HAPPS Margaret River in Dunsborough, WA, as an independent industrial designer—a journey shaped by a deep belief in the discipline of skill and craft.

When I first stepped into this space as a resident artist, I was immediately captivated. There was something profoundly inspiring about the environment, something that resonated with every fiber of my being. The more I poured my heart into this place, the more it gave back, fueling my passion and creativity in ways I could never have imagined.

This year, the Margaret River Region Open Studio feels especially poignant. It’s more than just a showcase—it's a celebration of everything I love. I want to inspire and be inspired, to embrace my intuitive sense, and to let the creative process guide me as I breathe life into spaces. The collaboration with four amazing artists, each a master of their craft, has been a source of immense joy and inspiration.

I invite you to walk this journey with me. Each day, I’ll open up a world to you—sharing my thoughts, my work, and my heart. This is my way of bringing some local work into the light, allowing myself to show you what artisan and discipline in a creative field can do.

I want you to experience not just the finished creations, but the passion, the process, and the love that fills every moment.

Meet Dash

She is Erl Happs cat.

But I have had her in the gallery with me ever since I have been at . When I walk into the studio, I hear her coming down the wooden steps and from there on I am her bestest friend, cause it's food time.

She purrs around, walks around like a little lioness, throws around her attitude - 'dare you touch me'.

In all her cat- attitude, I love her, especially when she sits around me while I work.

Little clay creatures

Working with young creative hearts always bring me a sense of contentment. The energy exchange is simple. The expectation with a sense of we can do it. The happiness of imagining, creating, crafting and seeing it in 3D form - inspiring.

These July school holidays have been good fun.

2005

I stepped into a new world. The magnificent world of creative energy, exploring, pushing boundaries and trying to excel better than the previous day.

That was what NID was for me. A complete oasis of evolving and establishing my foundation.

When I look back it's close to 20 years. Almost there. And even through all these years i can only see all that I was fortunate to experience.

This image is of my work with . I don't have any fancy images of this collection but it's very close to my heart. While Munna Bhai helped us to gather glass, blow the glass form with our wild imagination, some pieces came closer to what I inspired for.

This collection- was surreal for me. I wanted to string the coloured glass on the molten glass.

Capture that one thought on a product.

Through all this I am so grateful to the experiences & the people who made it possible.

Calling all budding artists!

This July school holidays, I am thrilled to offer a variety of heartwarming, artistic workshops at Commonage Pottery, designed just for kids aged 7-11. Alongside a group of dedicated local artists, our goal is to celebrate and nurture the creative spirit within every child.

Each session promises a messy adventure where learning and creativity take center stage.

Here’s what we have in store:Nature Explorer & Master Potter:

A magical treasure hunt through our beautiful gardens, collecting unique textures and shapes to inspire your very own pottery masterpiece.

Botanical Loom Weaving: On Wednesday, Sarah will guide your child in learning the art of weaving, creating beautiful woven artworks to take home.

Clay Garden Creatures: Your child will delve into the enchanting world of insects and other garden residents, shaping whimsical creatures using clay.

Marbled Coaster Creation: Watch as your child unleashes their inner artist with the mesmerizing art of marbling, designing and creating stunning coasters that are both functional and unique.

Clay Name Boards: Your child will unlock the secrets of clay lettering, shaping, carving, and styling their name into a beautiful, unique clay board that reflects their personality.

Parents, this July school holidays, you have a chance to unwind:Indulge in a cellar door tasting, then relax in our wine lounge with a glass of wine while your little ones explore their artistic side at Commonage Pottery.

Need some well-deserved "me-time" offsite? Rest assured, your children are in good hands at our nurturing and fun-filled workshops.Feeling creative yourself? Feel free to book into the same workshop as your child and share in the creative journey together!

These two weeks are dedicated to honouring and nurturing the creative spirit within every child. Choose the workshops that will best fuel your child’s development and watch their imagination soar. I can't wait to see your little ones’ masterpieces and share in their creative journey. Let’s make this holiday unforgettable!