Discover. Create. Fire.

Join artist Minna Graham for a hands-on, two-day exploration of working with wild clay and primitive firing techniques. From digging raw clay out of the earth to firing your finished pieces in a pit, this immersive experience will connect you to ancient processes and the natural materials beneath your feet.

Day One: Harvesting & Handbuilding 7th June 2025

Learn to assess, dig, and process local wild clay
Understand clay properties and how to identify them in the field
Experiment with natural additives to enhance strength, texture, and elasticity
Explore handbuilding techniques: slab building, pinching, coiling, and coil-and-paddle
Make natural clay slips for decoration
Decorate your pieces using imprinting, mark-making with found objects, and textured surfaces

Day Two: Primitive Firing Techniques 12th July 2025

Learn the fundamentals of pit firing and smudge firing
Prepare your own saggars (containers that influence firing effects)
Explore how organic materials—such as banana peels, cow manure, and corn husks—can create unique colors and finishes
Fire the pieces you made on Day One and witness the alchemy of earth, fire, and smoke
Reflect on your results and take home truly one-of-a-kind ceramic works

Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned ceramicist looking to deepen your connection to natural processes, this workshop offers a raw, grounding, and creative experience.

About Minna
Based in Central Victoria, ceramic artist Minna Graham creates sculptural, functional ceramics, specializing in tea-ware. Minna completed a Diploma of Ceramics 2012, going onto train in the Karatsu tradition, Japan. Awarded the Albert Coates Memorial Award for Excellence, 2012, Minna was also won the Michael Hallam Award for Innovation in Ceramics 2018. Minna went on to win the Australian Cultural Tea Seminar Teacup Competition in 2019 and most recently won the Potters Choice Award Warrandyte Pottery Expo 2023.