How did you learn your craft?
I have always drawn and painted but despite art being my favourite subject at school I did not pursue art as a career until I attended Art college as a mature student. Prior to that my creative energies were channelled through my children.
When they started to leave home I rediscovered my interests by doing a life drawing short course. From there I was hooked and signed up for a part time art degree at TAFE. Initially intending to refine my drawing and painting skills. We had to do every studio during the foundation year. I went down into the ceramics department and have not looked back.
I have since completed an Honours degree in visual arts and have enjoyed exploring the many facets of the ceramics world.
How long have you been creating art?
All my life
Who or what is your inspiration?
I am very attracted to the unusual textural qualities of Australian flora. I am also interested in the influences of the type of firing give to work, especially alternative firing methods such as pit and wood fired pieces.
Additional Information
I run pottery classes and workshops from my studio near Birdwood and at various community centres. I teach both hand building and wheel throwing techniques as well as a variety of decorative processes.
My website is https://www.studiobuilt1921.com/
My instagram is https://www.instagram.com/simonelp_ceramics/