Evolution
An Insight Into A Potter's Vision For Colour
by Laura Windmill
Lynda Kent works as a full time studio potter in her purpose built studio at Ferntree Gully in the foothills of The Dandenong Ranges, Victoria.
Functional and decorative ceramics are created on the pottery wheel and by hand. High fired, porcelaineous, stoneware clay is decorated using glaze-on-glaze techniques. Striving to achieve depth and variation of colour, Lynda has experimented over many years to achieve a vast palette of colour.
Many of the glazes used, have been developed from glaze tests studied while attending a TAFE Ceramics Course. The Diploma of Art in Ceramics provided Lynda with a sound grounding in all aspects required by a self-sufficient studio potter.
Lynda’s time spent at Chisholm College, Dandenong inspired her love of glaze-on-glaze effects.
Work is first dipped in a base glaze, and layers of various oxide glazes are sprayed over the base glaze. The build up of sprayed glazes creates a layered effect of various hues. Spraying allows Lynda to build up a depth of colour. Copper Reds, mirror blacks and rutile glazes form the main colour spectrum for Lynda’s range of cups, platters, bowls and teapots. Long firings of sixteen hours plus, adds a lustrous sheen to the pieces. A long low soak at the higher temperature is responsible for the glowing effect.
After completing her Diploma, Lynda enrolled and completed a NEIS Small Business course. The skills gained in the NEIS course further strengthened basic business and marketing skills touched on during ceramic studies. Chisholm College (Dandenong), Victoria also offers a “Ceramic Extensions” program to support practicing potters wishing to venture into new territory. Lynda chose to attend this program to further her ceramic endeavours.
During this time the focus for Lynda was mainly on refining forms and glazes. Many hours were spent testing glaze-on-glaze combinations.
The predominate glazes used in Lynda’s work are prone to considerable running at high temperatures and long soaks. Her developmental process resolved glaze problems and achieved the desired effects.
Lynda obtained a full time retail position to finance the building of her new studio. Upon completion of the studio, a career as a full-time potter was possible.
Many hours were spent potting to produce a body of work suitable for sale to galleries and retail outlets. Another valuable source of income is derived from local festivals, pottery expos and exhibitions.
Lynda also enjoys teaching pottery to children and adults at Wyreena Community Centre. Time spent teaching helps to alleviate any feelings of isolation and allows an opportunity to share her knowledge and skills with others.
At the moment she is working towards producing work for The Dandenong Ranges Open Studios weekend in late October. Work is also being produced for upcoming exhibitions and the Pottery Expos at Federation Square and Warrandyte.
Laura Windmill is a ceramic artist and exhibitions officer for the Valley Potters Group.
Functional and decorative ceramics are created on the pottery wheel and by hand. High fired, porcelaineous, stoneware clay is decorated using glaze-on-glaze techniques. Striving to achieve depth and variation of colour, Lynda has experimented over many years to achieve a vast palette of colour.
Many of the glazes used, have been developed from glaze tests studied while attending a TAFE Ceramics Course. The Diploma of Art in Ceramics provided Lynda with a sound grounding in all aspects required by a self-sufficient studio potter.
Lynda’s time spent at Chisholm College, Dandenong inspired her love of glaze-on-glaze effects.
Work is first dipped in a base glaze, and layers of various oxide glazes are sprayed over the base glaze. The build up of sprayed glazes creates a layered effect of various hues. Spraying allows Lynda to build up a depth of colour. Copper Reds, mirror blacks and rutile glazes form the main colour spectrum for Lynda’s range of cups, platters, bowls and teapots. Long firings of sixteen hours plus, adds a lustrous sheen to the pieces. A long low soak at the higher temperature is responsible for the glowing effect.
After completing her Diploma, Lynda enrolled and completed a NEIS Small Business course. The skills gained in the NEIS course further strengthened basic business and marketing skills touched on during ceramic studies. Chisholm College (Dandenong), Victoria also offers a “Ceramic Extensions” program to support practicing potters wishing to venture into new territory. Lynda chose to attend this program to further her ceramic endeavours.
During this time the focus for Lynda was mainly on refining forms and glazes. Many hours were spent testing glaze-on-glaze combinations.
The predominate glazes used in Lynda’s work are prone to considerable running at high temperatures and long soaks. Her developmental process resolved glaze problems and achieved the desired effects.
Lynda obtained a full time retail position to finance the building of her new studio. Upon completion of the studio, a career as a full-time potter was possible.
Many hours were spent potting to produce a body of work suitable for sale to galleries and retail outlets. Another valuable source of income is derived from local festivals, pottery expos and exhibitions.
Lynda also enjoys teaching pottery to children and adults at Wyreena Community Centre. Time spent teaching helps to alleviate any feelings of isolation and allows an opportunity to share her knowledge and skills with others.
At the moment she is working towards producing work for The Dandenong Ranges Open Studios weekend in late October. Work is also being produced for upcoming exhibitions and the Pottery Expos at Federation Square and Warrandyte.
Laura Windmill is a ceramic artist and exhibitions officer for the Valley Potters Group.
