ARTIST STATEMENT
Mealtimes around the kitchen table of my childhood are amongst my fondest memories. Wedged between my two older brothers, we would chew our way through the regulation 'meat and three veg' that my mother had prepared with much love. It was a time to share stories and news of the day, coming to the table as individuals and leaving to clean the dishes as a tribe.
There was a similar sense of community at mealtimes in the share houses of my twenties. The diversity in housemates' backgrounds expanded my food horizons. I was awed and somewhat intimidated, feeling I had little to bring to the table myself. It was here that the seed was sown - my contribution could be pottery.
I’ve been making tableware for over twenty-five years now, acquiring knowledge from pottery’s rich history, as well as from contemporary movements in ceramics, art and lifestyles.
I have set up pottery studios in sheds, shops, commercial potteries and warehouses around the northern suburbs of Melbourne and am currently based in a collective, creative space in Brunswick. I call myself an urban potter as there is usually concrete beneath my feet and my clay comes in a bag.
I continue to explore notions of nurture, individuality and community in what I make, while maintaining that primary functional purpose.
In the hectic, wonderful pace of city life my favourite moments are still those where family and friends gather around a meal, passing dishes from hand to hand, sharing stories and news of the day. Everyone brings something different to the table... including me.
It feels good to be part of something.
Sophie, your lovely cups arrived today. I love them - perfect enablers for the hot chocolate addiction I've been nursing this winter.
Narelle, Gadigal Country, 2024
The colour and texture of the pieces are an absolute delight, even the sound they make being stacked in the drawer!
They will continue to add much pleasure to our everyday. Thank you for creating such wonderful objects.
I am grateful for your commitment to your craft.
Christy, WA, 2024
Dear Sophie, the bowls arrived so quickly and I love them. They are so light for their size, love the hand feel and the glazes so subtle. So glad to have bought my first pieces from you. I love your work.
Anna, Tas, 2024
Your pieces are my go to in the kitchen, they are very loved and I rarely use any of my other crockery when it is just me at home. They are pieces to be loved and used, and that is exactly what happens in my home.
Thank you for sharing your incredible talent and forever making pieces that make my kitchen feel like a home.
Lauren, Sale, VIC 2023
I was unloading my dishwasher this morning, normally considered a very dull task, but I was loving every second as I admired my rack full of your beautiful pieces I have collected over the years, all sitting so harmoniously together. How lucky I am to have such an amazing collection that our family use daily and that bring so much joy.
So just a message to say thank you and your work is regularly fondly admired and appreciated by me and no doubt many others.
Laeticia, VIC, 2023
“Every time we use our bowls, which is often, I love the feel, weight and colours! And am thankful for your talent.”
Wendy, Wheelers Hill, VIC 2022
I have just been given a group of beautiful pieces of yours to add to my collection. This beautiful big wide cup is just a wonderful drinking experience. Thank you for making - your pieces are always to beautiful to use.
Sue, Instagram, 2022
“The incredible thing about your work is how that calm, slow, connected time making is transferred into it and visible to the viewer. It slows me down to look at the whole piece, it quietens and then to notice all the many small details, subtle nuances of tone and hue, and chiselled cut and its softening. It’s not just the photo composition, which are lovely, it’s in each object you make, there’s a whole story of making, building, crafting, experience, in it. It’s the gift of it embedded in each piece.”
Sophia, Facebook, 2022
“I know one must not covet false idols, but your stoneware is something else LOL. I LOVE the plates, they are perfect.”
Lisa, Marrikville, NSW 2022
“My parcel arrived a little while ago and I’ve just had a chance to unwrap your fantastically careful packaging. The bowl and vase are even more beautiful up close than they appeared on your website. I love them. We bought them as a special gift for a lovely couple and I know they will be delighted with them, too. Thanks so much.”
Anne, Bendigo VIC 2022
“I’ve had my Quarry coffee cup for a year and use it every day. I love it! When it goes in for the espresso shot I always think to myself that I am lucky to have this beautiful cup that is perfect in every way. I also think of you Sophie, making it and ensuring it’s beauty and form. Thank you for your work Sophie, it really is greatly appreciated :)”
Emily, Melbourne, VIC 2022
“We absolutely love your dish ware. My daughter commented that the mugs are a perfect size for her coffee and she loves the faceted bowls - says the texture adds a whole other dimension when held in the hand, and I use the pasta bowls all the time.”
Sabrina, Cremorne Point, NSW 2021
“Our entire family is addicted to using the ramen bowls. As our eldest son said - everything tastes better in these bowls! Thank you so much for your beautiful craft.”
Katy, Brunswick, 2021
“Just wanted to thank you so much for my beautiful bowls, which arrived safely this morning, bringing me joy to my day. We will treasure them for many years to come.”
Melanie, Hawthorne, QLD 2021
“It’s like holding a beautiful and valuable egg, such a tactile experience. Thank you Sophie”
Memento, Abbotsford, VIC, 2021
“I love them. You could simply lick those glazes”
Jane, Reservoir, VIC 2021
“Thank you for the mugs. They are a huge hit. We love them all.”
Emma, Brunswick, VIC, 2021
“I use your beautiful bowls everyday for something. I’m hoping, when the earth regains it’s alignment, I can visit and buy more bowls!”
Jacqui, Shark Bay, WA 2021
“Just wanted to let you know that I think this might be the most perfect cup I’ve ever seen! Beautiful shape, beautiful glaze and ideal for a big bucket of tea (which is what I love)!”
Andree, South Hobart, TAS 2021