October 29th, 2023Central Vic Clay Trail

Central Victoria is rightly celebrated for its wonderful food and accommodation, but the arts community is the beating heart of the region.
Ceramics is a medium well represented in this area and once again the Central
Victorian Potters Clay Trail offers a chance to visit local makers in their studios.
This year four makers, Minna Graham, Frances Guerin (pictured above), Angie Izard and MelOgden, in Hepburn Shire will open their studios over weekends of November 4 and 5, and November 11 and 12.
Minna Graham, 2 Hogans Lane, Musk Vale: Nature is Minna Graham’s greatest
influence, be it the softness and gentle warmth of spring or the threat of bushfire
during the breathless, dry heat of summer. She responds to her surroundings by
creating functional, contemporary forms and employing traditional techniques and
practices. By altering forms through carving and tearing Minna aims to describe her
emotional response to seasons, cultures and traditions.
Frances Guerin, 55 Whitegum Drive, Wheatsheaf: Frances Guerin is a multi- disciplinary artist though ceramics is her main medium. She has been a finalist in the Clunes Ceramic Award several times and in many other awards. Her sculptural pieces draw on art history, psychology and mythology. Guerin’s figurines are created from a wheel-thrown vessel, then altered and limbs and head attached.
Angie Izard, 64 Pine Court, Porcupine Ridge: Angie Izard creates wheel-thrown
stoneware vessels which become a ground for her gestural brushwork and mark
making, creating functional ware that invites reflection. Her work responds to shifting
light, chance encounters and the search for deep connection with the world. The
pieces are reduction fired to bring out the individuality of each piece.
Mel Ogden, 35 Leonards Hill-South Bullarto Road, Bullarto South: Mel Ogden’s
ceramic practice encompasses both hand-building and using a pottery wheel. She
creates tableware for everyday use and vessels for ikebana, the Japanese art of floral
arranging. Ogden’s work explores the interplay between landscape as material source
and form. Sogetsu floral arrangements will be on display and Lois Ogden will
demonstrate the practice on Saturday, November 11 at 2pm.
The event is part of the Australian Ceramics Association’s annual open studio
program and makers from around the country are participating.
Map at www.centralvictorianpotters.org or follow @central_victorian_potters