Janet’s work of over four decades reflects the honesty and beauty of her materials and process. She enjoys the challenge of wheel throw work and firing it in different ways.
“Recently I built an anagama kiln which offers an opportunity to develop different firing programmes using wood ash and flashing to affect the surface of the work, resulting in a range of unusual glaze finishes.”
The one-of-a-kind kiln was built and adapted to Janet’s criteria by master kiln designer and builder, Duncan Shearer. Sourcing thousands of fire bricks – about 3000 assorted bricks with 279 arch bricks – and with the help of many others, the kiln took more than six months to build. The arch spans almost the entire length of the kiln, with tension chains holding it together as the kiln swells under the intense heat.
Janet describes herself as “a potter that enjoys woodfiring” but she is so much more than that!
Running biannual workshops at her rural Woolshed studio, she hosts groups of potters who bring their own pots for firing. The participants camp out, talk pottery in an old dance hall and share shifts manning the kiln for four days until it has cooled enough to be opened, revealing their finished pieces.
Janet has also been involved with the organisation of Waiclay exhibitions for over 20 years, with each event having its own distinctive character.
The Waipa Creative Trail is a free community event of open studios and various exhibitions on 16 March 2024. To find out more, like ‘The Waipa Creative Hub’ page on Facebook and Instagram or visit our website http://www.waipacreativetrail.com.
The Waipa Creative Trail 