Denise McDonald

Artist Talk and Demonstration with Denise McDonald

Denise McDonald initially trained as a Landscape Architect before making the switch to ceramics in 1996. After gaining a Diploma of Arts (Ceramics) from Holmesglen TAFE down in Melbourne, she ran off to England to do the Dartington Pottery Traineeship in Devon (98-99). Following a move to Bristol, and after a few months as an assistant to potter Louise Gilbert-Scott, the ceramics had to be put on hold and Denise began working for a large UK Bank. It was while here that she would take every opportunity to visit pottery fairs (there were so many) all over England to keep herself connected to the craft (this was before social media made connection so easy). These fairs were often enormous and of incredible quality with fabulous demonstrations and exhibitions and it was at one of these fairs (Oxford Ceramics) that Denise first saw Eddie Curtis demonstrating his slab throwing technique. The possibilities of the technique made a big impression, It was years later, when Denise had returned to Australia and was thinking about how to combine a particular flannel flower texture with her love of throwing that Eddie’s technique sprang to mind.

Denise will demonstrate the slab throwing technique that she originally learned from Eddie Curtis and talk about how she developed a complete range of work from a few simple concepts. The technique involves throwing a base for the pot on the wheel and then wrapping a slab around the base and stretching the slab as the wheel rotates.

She will make a range of forms, including mugs, cups, tea bowls, plates and bottles, and maybe even the body of a teapot if we have time. She will also take a couple through to the trimming stage. Basic template design and the source of her textures will also be covered.