MAKERS GALLERY BLOG
By Makers Gallery
Welcome to our 2023 gift guide. As the year draws to a close, we at Makers Gallery in Brisbane are reflecting on the year that unfolded within our walls. We’ve been honored to showcase the works of remarkable Makers who graced us with their solo shows, each exhibition a testament to their passion.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who visited in-gallery, and the new faces who made it on weekends for the opening events. Your support and presence have made each solo show a truly memorable experience.
As we eagerly anticipate what 2024 holds, we invite you to indulge in the ceramics featured in this year’s gift guide. We also welcome you to join us in-gallery to explore the textures, colours, and stories behind each piece.
As always, items on the online store can be delivered from our hands to yours in Brisbane Metro, picked up from Makers Gallery (Clayfield, Brisbane) or posted. Postage is possible Australia-wide and overseas.
Makers Gallery offers a flexible pay-as-you-go system because we truly appreciate the patronage of Collectors with varying budgets. Whether you’re considering a piece for yourself, your family, colleagues, or friends, we’re committed to ensuring everyone can access our ceramics. Feel free to reach out via Instagram direct message or text 0417 886 185 to discuss a plan that suits. Our aim is to make ceramics accessible—owning your own piece for the equivalent cost of a pizza per week!
If you can’t quite decide on a piece just yet from the below guide or would like to leave it in the hands of your giftee, we can issue a gift card to a value of your choice. We also offer services at Makers Gallery, so get in touch if you feel a workshop, mentoring, or a spot in a future object-photography session with Tony would be a suitable gift (Tony Webdale is the genius behind the imagery on the Makers Gallery website. Tony also takes head shots, family photography and event photography – let us know if you would like more details).
Fantastic works below. Pay as you go if need be (please get in contact to set this up).
Enjoy!
Small vase by Rachel Cramer. Thrown and handbuilt stoneware with gold lustre, clear glazed.
Price: $30.
Where from? Makers Gallery, Clayfield. Open as a one-stop-shop for Christmas.
Vase is also available to buy on the online store.
This mug by John James looks good enough to eat. Chocolate-y goodness can be arranged to accompany the mug for a small fee. Gift wrapping is available too on request if arranged in advance. DM or text.
Price: Mug $30.
Where from? In-house at Makers Gallery or online.
A festively-coloured gift by Malcolm Greenwood….would look lovely displayed by a table with bowls of berries on Boxing Day.
Where from? Makers Gallery, Clayfield. Reserve via DM on Makers Gallery’s social media or text Stephanie on 0417 886 185.
Lovely bowls by Shannon Garson. Wheel-thrown porcelain, firewheel design with clear glaze.
Price: $70 each.
Where from? Makers Gallery on-site and online.
Mugs, the perfect companions for that much-needed ‘pick-me-up’ on January 1st. Pair of mugs with linework by Yoshi Takahashi.
Price: $85.
Where? Makers Gallery on-site and online.
Small white vessels by Anna Markey. From the Eyre Creek series. I’m picturing scoops of ice-cream. What’s your flavour?
Price: $75 each.
Where? Online and in gallery.
Stare into the universe with this woodfired bowl by Suvira McDonald. And there’s so much more available from Suvira! We have an impressive collection of over 60 works, ranging from bowls, cannisters, vases, mugs, pourers, sake cups, to containers and more. Mixing artistry with practicality, the ceramics showcase Suvira’s talent and offer something special for everyone. Suvira’s work includes stunning teapots with Shino and Carving/Ash Glazing techniques.
View online or in-gallery.
Price: $75.
Woodfired jug by John James. Pending brandy custard and a daiquiri for Christmas Day lunch.
Price: $80.
Where from? In Makers Gallery, as well as online.
Picture the decadence of rum balls nestled within this Woodfired bowl by Isaac Patmore ($120)
….or delight in a hand-thrown vase with diverse glaze (below) available online here.
Fluted stoneware green-celadon glaze bowl by Geoff Crispin. Delightful!
Price: $150 or $25 a week over 6 weeks.
Transport them to cherished moments by the ocean with a piece from the exhibition by Avi Amesbury Connection: Land and Sea. Porcelain and found clay, with clear glaze, slab work, stamping, and coiling (above) priced at $200, available online or in-gallery.
Also available is Lyn Bates’ ceramic piece adorned with wire coral and found objects (below), a wonderfully unique expression priced at $135. With the essence of the sea, it invites you to hold onto those precious memories of holidays by the ocean, in a tangible form.
Get into the festive spirit with this Green Lidded Container by Ever Ceramics. A perfect addition to a holiday coffee and tea setup. It could keep sugar or other Christmas essentials stylishly stored, adding seasonal color to the kitchen.
Price: $175.
Available online here or in gallery.
Textured jug by Susan Dunne. Picture Christmas Day lemonade, iced tea, and a swim. The jug’s unique texture adds flair to the table while offering functionality.
Price: $170 upfront or pay as you go.
Where from? Makers Gallery or online here.
Set of 5 cups by Suvira McDonald. Available at Makers Gallery, your woodfired heaven and haven.
View the collection on the Makers Gallery store.
Price: Set of 5 cups $55 a week over 5 weeks.
Pueblo Dreams of Joman 5, a meaningful Christmas gift for someone who meant a great deal to you this year. There are 17 sculptures by Paul Sternberg to peruse online – click here.
DM, call or text to reserve.
For the outdoor enthusiast, gift a ceramic piece by Tim Christensen whose works are adorned with enchanting pilot whales, squids, lively newts and shoal. Sgraffito on porcelain.
In gallery and online.
A serving bowl by Andrew Bryant as part of the Christmas feast this year. Imagine a spectacularly summery-salad. Mango, chicken, avocado, macadamias. Yum!
Price: $325 or pay as you go.
Get in touch to arrange a visit to Makers Gallery to experience firsthand Peter Cameron’s Porcelain. A must-feel for collectors or as a special house or workspace-warming gift —it’s a treasure from the Egg and Shell collection. Visit the gallery to feel its allure before gifting it or making it yours (or explore Peter Cameron online).
Price: $350 or $35 a week over 10 weeks.
A sake set adding to special moments shared with friends and family during the holiday season. Whiskey cups, sushi tray and green tea set also available from Sandy Lockwood.
Price: $260 upfront, or pay as you go.
Last but not least….mugs by Grant Hodges. Reserve via DM on Makers Gallery’s social media or text Stephanie on 0417 886 185… and check out our reel on Instagram from 22 August 2023, featuring Grant and his mug of choice.
Where from? Available in-house at Makers Gallery and online.
We value your input, so please share your thoughts on this guide in the comments section of the Makers Gallery Instagram. Your feedback contributes to the enhancement of future gift editions.
Makers Gallery is at 53 Jackson Street, Clayfield, Brisbane open by appointment (DM on social media or text 0417 886 185).
Wishing you and yours a happy Christmas and New Year,
Makers Gallery
By Makers Gallery.
Gifts can be delivered or collected in time for Father’s Day. We can gift wrap your order and add a free backissue of the Journal of Australian Ceramics on request.
Happy September gifting!
Large Wood Fired Mug
Is it a coffee mug or a beer stein? Either way, they are sure to love it.
This mug was made by John James—wood fired and thrown on a kick wheel. A large volume of John James’ work is housed at Makers Gallery currently. Over 65 pieces are available on the store for your viewing and/or buying pleasure.
Mug pictured above: $75 (two available).
Where from? Makers Gallery, Clayfield. Contact Stephanie on 0417 886 185. Pick up or delivery (worldwide) can be arranged.
Whiskey Cups By Steve Williams
Reserve a cup (or a set) for a special Dad in your life. Pair with a bottle of whiskey and a card or think outside the box. These whiskey cups are multi-purpose.
Price: $50 each.
Currently living at: Makers Gallery, Clayfield. More cups online here (a beautiful, large wood fired bowl by Steve Williams is also available).
For A Tea-drinker
Tea for two? Another lovely piece by Steve Williams.
Price? On request. Viewing of this piece is exclusive to in-gallery. Get in touch with Stephanie to reserve or arrange a walkthrough.
Made In Mullumbimby
Teapot by Raven Esque.
Raven Esque is on Instagram @raven.esque.ceramics… and while you’re there, so are we 😉 @makersgalleryaustralia.
Price: $150.
Where? Makers Gallery, Clayfield.
Bowl By Isaac Patmore
A special gift for Dad or a new addition to your own collection.
Price: $130.
Awaiting a delicious winter warmer: At Makers Gallery.
For The Experiential Father – Credit For Their Next Trip To The Gallery Or A Makers Gallery Service
Get in touch with Stephanie on 0417 886 185 about the gift of a Makers Gallery experience. We can arrange credit for Tony’s photography service, a Makers Gallery workshop, Stephanie’s mentoring service, or a gift card to use in-house.
Prices: Vary.
Have you been inspired? Message Makers Gallery’s social media or contact Stephanie via phone on 0417 886 185 to reserve a gift mentioned above. Or, let us know what you have in mind and we can match you with something that suits.
We acknowledge that times are tough, so let us know if you would like more info about the gallery’s Pay As You Go system.
Blog post not sponsored. Gift ideas put together by the MAKERS GALLERY team.
Enter on the MAKERS GALLERY AUSTRALIA Instagram @MAKERSGALLERYAUSTRALIA.
These are the Terms & conditions:
By participating, entrant agrees that MAKERS GALLERY is not liable for any damages or causes of action, losses, costs or expenses, with respect to or arising out of or related to participation in the giveaway or entrant’s acceptance of a prize and/or use or misuse of a prize, including, without limitation, any damage or personal injury caused to any person(s).
This giveaway, hosted by MAKERS GALLERY, is open to anyone who clicks ‘Like’ on the giveaway post on Instagram, is following @makersgalleryaustralia on Instagram and makes a comment on the giveaway post with their favourite recipe. An extra entry is granted by tagging a friend in the comments. The competition will commence Wednesday 13/07/2022 at 7:00pm (AEST) and end Wednesday 03/08/2022 10:30am (AEST). The winner will be selected 03/08/2022.
Entrant’s participation in the giveaway is considered their agreement that MAKERS GALLERY may contact them. Giveaway is open internationally, but entrants must consider that some international services may not be available at the current time due to government restrictions and other factors caused by COVID-19.
Prize will be arranged after the winner has provided MAKERS GALLERY with a valid mailing address.
MAKERS GALLERY reserves the right to disclose winner’s name and identity on Instagram and Facebook.
Prize is 1 x bowl by Suvira McDonald. It is not transferrable and can’t be exchanged for money or money’s worth.
By entering, each entrant completely agrees to these conditions which govern the giveaway and the awarding of the prize.
The giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered or associated with Instagram.
By Makers Gallery.
We can’t believe it’s that time already.
2021 flew by and we hope that it brought you some good moments, as it did us. While it’s encouraging to see some light at the end of the tunnel with borders opening, the reality is in 2021, many of us fell upon hard times and are still feeling the effects of that. Makers Gallery is genuinely all about support, passion and community, so reach out if there’s something you feel we can help with. It could be anything from mentoring to firing, Tony’s photography service for work you hope to sell, exhibiting, education or simply a quiet coffee at Makers Gallery, in-house immersed in ceramics or in the sun of the gallery garden.
We want to help you send off 2021 with at the very least, a great moment of giving in the holiday season, so we’ve put together our biggest gift guide yet, designed to cater for all budgets and interests. We’re also giving away a gift with every buy in December; a repurposed chandelier ornament. We’re giving these away until the box is empty and they’re absolutely beautiful. If you’d like to see what they look like, head to the Makers Gallery Instagram and watch the reel we posted on December 9.
Also keep in mind that if it’s too hard to choose a gift from the list of things below, we offer gift cards as an option (message Makers Gallery’s social media or call 0417 886 185 to arrange this).
Happy giving! Don’t forget to treat yourself to something special as well this holiday season.
$25 and under
They’re A Coffee Lover
We’re excited to offer this gorgeous coffee (and tea) scoop by Lucy Be. Suited to most budgets, this cute little gift would be a great stocking stuffer. We can also make it a bigger affair with biccies added on request or coffee beans…just let Stephanie know (0417 886 185). We have many friendly coffee people in our lives… Katie and Mark of Black Sheep Coffee Woolloongabba, the crew at Shambhala Espresso Wooloowin and Sacha of Reuben Hills Surry Hills (who fires at the gallery).
Price: $22.
Where from? Makers Gallery, Clayfield. Open as a one-stop-shop for gifts by appointment. We also offer delivery (free personal delivery from our hands to yours in Metro Brisbane). The above scoop from Lucy Be, as well as a teapot with a West Australian Jarrah wooden handle are available to buy on the online store.
Read our introductory interview with Lucy Be on our previous blog post.
They’re A Bookworm
Did you know Makers Gallery is a stockist of The Journal of Australian Ceramics? We currently have 11 copies of Vol 60 NO 3 and stacks of back issues for you or your giftee’s reading pleasure. What’s better than a moment of quiet in the holiday period with a good read and a cup of coffee?
Throughout the year of 2021, we offered a free back issue with purchases off our online store. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming promotions on our Instagram (or DM and ask nicely…something could be arranged…minimum purchase $50).
Price: $20.
Where from? The Journal of Australian Ceramics can be purchased in-house at Makers Gallery.
$25 to $50
They Love Gold
Super Christmassy! Thrown and handbuilt stoneware with gold lustre by Rachel Cramer.
Price: $30 for the small vase and $40 for the cup.
Where from? Makers Gallery on-site and online.
They’re Bold
Daniel Garretson’s amber plates simply cannot be ignored. Load them with treats on Christmas Day and if you’re looking for a set, add the amber mug, jar and striped serving plate to your cart.
Price: $30.
Where? Makers Gallery on-site and online. We won’t blame you if you can’t just choose one. Ask about our pay as you go system which could see you building your dream collection for less than the cost of a pizza a week.
They’re A Foodie
Woodfired bowls, Kiseto cups, Kiseto bowls, pears (yes…pears!), a bean, an Oribe bowl, vases, mugs and cups; Yoshi Takahashi has it all.
Price: Cups with linework $45, Kiseto cup $40 and Oribe bowl $50.
Where? Check out the three pages of foodie heaven from Yoshi Takahashi on our online store. There’s something for everyone!
$50 to $90
They’re A Tea Drinker
We have all things tea on our online store. There are boundless options for last-minute gifting, which you’re welcome to pick-up by appointment from the gallery or have us personally deliver (Metro Brisbane). We’ll even add tea and chocolate on request and can post gifts with a card direct to your person if need be. Picture the lovely things below with tea and a good book on Boxing Day… bliss!
Above: John Ullinger mugs and teacups (thrown and hand decorated).
Price: Lidded teacups $50, mugs $80.
Below: John James
John James spouted bowl, jar and milk jug.
Price: Spouted bowl $70, jar $80 and jug $80.
They Love Beach Holidays
While you can’t have a holiday in the Maldives just yet, you can still connect with the urge and surge of the coastal fringe with the work of Lyn Bates and Megan Puls.
Lyn Bates ceramic with wire coral and found objects #2042. Bring the coast to you with this lovely piece.
Price: $70.
Lyn Bates ceramic with wire coral and found objects #2041. A very special gift for Christmas, bound to be a cherished addition to any home. Alternatively, a lovely Easter Basket for next year (it’ll come around quickly)! Lyn Bates is currently showing at Makers Gallery. Get in touch to set up a time to see her incredible work in the flesh.
Price: $80.
Megan Puls ceramic salad serving utensils. Great for summer get-togethers.
Price: $45.
Megan Puls serving dish.
Price: $90.
They’re Baking The Christmas Ham
It’s a big responsibility. Thank that special person in your life for all they do with these striking coil-built black clay condiment bowls from Linda Leftwich. The bowls have a liquid crystal exterior and are dishwasher safe. Perfect for seeded mustard, sugar, cloves, star anise, cardamom, salt and pepper.
Price: $70.
Where from? Makers Gallery. You can explore our collection from Linda Leftwich online or reserve a time with Stephanie to experience (and lovingly hold) the pieces in the gallery.
They’re Hosting Lunch This Year
John James bowl for nuts and chocolates.
Price: $90.
John James wood fired bowl. Speaks for itself. Picture this on the table for Christmas Dinner.
Price: $70.
$100 to $200
They Love Nature
Tim Christensen’s sgraffito on porcelain works. There’s also a Galapagos Islands Whiskey Set available ($550).
Price: $150 for ‘Shoal’ and ‘Squids’.
James Murfet uses wild clay and glaze materials for his vases. Gift a vase this year with a sprig of something or some flowers.
Do you know someone having a wedding next year? They serve as wonderful centrepieces for special occasions.
Price: $150.
You’ll Have A Drink With Them On Christmas Day
Suvira McDonald set of four sake cups. Ideal for sharing a summer sake in the garden (or in the air conditioning).
Price: $180.
Where from? Makers Gallery on-site and online.
They’re Creative
Give the great gift of knowledge.
Stephanie has a schedule of classes and workshops in mind for next year (2022). This Christmas, organise credit with Stephanie for a future session and put the good news on a card. You can pop it in the stocking of your loved one, or perhaps on the workstation of a friend or workmate. It’s a truly unique and useful gift for someone in your life or could even be a gift for yourself that keeps on giving. We’ll supply the tools and the know-how and in years ahead, you could be the Maker gifting your own handmade presents.
Meet new people at a Summer Series workshop or make a bowl one-on-one by booking a private session. The experiences offered are varied and can be tailored to you and your giftee, or credit can be given if you don’t yet know which class will suit. Get in touch with Stephanie on 0417 886 185 to discuss the right fit for you or the adventurous person in your life that loves to learn.
Past workshops have included clay classes for adults of all levels, children’s clay classes, found-plastic jewellery-making, object photography, resin jewellery-making, embroidery on paper, making mobiles, collage cards and porcelain jewellery-making.
There’s more workshops on the horizon for different kinds of ‘making’, so get in touch with Stephanie via phone, or DM Makers Gallery’s social media to find out what could be coming in 2022.
Please let us know what you think of our guide.
As for delivery of the above, it’s from our hands to yours. Makers Gallery offers a pick-up option or personal free delivery in Metro Brisbane. Further afield, we’ll just charge enough to cover transport costs. Don’t fret if you’re across a border or across an ocean: we post anywhere! Order off the online store and we’ll mail your item on or by the next business day.
We’ll be open by appointment at 53 Jackson Street, Clayfield in Brisbane over the next week for your Christmas shopping needs and for viewings of Lyn Bates’ breathtaking solo show 12 Degrees. Call or text 0417 886 185 to organise a time with Stephanie or DM the Makers Gallery Instagram.
Wishing you a safe and pleasant December and a Happy New Year. Love from,
Makers Gallery
Blog post not sponsored.
Product photography by Tony Webdale (in-house photographer and all-things-website at Makers Gallery).
Did you see Lucy Be’s work on Makers Gallery’s socials August this year? This is the first time Lucy Be’s nostalgic and whimsical pieces have been housed at Makers Gallery. It was an Instagram discovery…love at first sight between @lucy_be.ceramics and @makersgalleryaustralia. Many of the pieces didn’t stay in-house for long, with most of them selling quickly and going to new homes. Check the online store to see what’s still in stock. At the last headcount, two lovely pieces were still available.
Introducing Lucy Be.
Occupations:
Full time potter, and pottery teacher. Currently I am teaching beginners and intermediate courses and a few glaze workshops every now and then.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up mostly in Cape Town, South Africa, but have moved between SA, the UK and Australia for most of my life.
Where has ceramics taken you?
Everywhere. I studied Ceramic Design (BFA, Hons) in London, and then went on to assist many potters in England, South Africa and Italy. I eventually landed up in an apprenticeship back in the UK.
During that time I was introduced to many different approaches to clay and that has been a defining factor in how I make pots.
Where are you based now? Why there?
I am currently in the Northern Rivers, Australia. My family have lived here for a while and I moved out here in early 2020 (the same day that Covid hit) to set up my first solo studio.
How long have you been in practice?
Since I was 21, so 8 years.
What area do you specialise in? What materials are your favourite to work with?
I like to make functional tableware because bringing the pots into my everyday is where I appreciate and enjoy them the most. I work with a stoneware body and love adding elements of wood or wire to the finished pieces. I like how these additions allude to a sense of timelessness in an object.
From where do you draw inspiration?
When I was a child, I used to build doll houses out of cardboard and empty toilet rolls. I would carefully curate these scenes in which my dolls would enjoy a tea party or a social gathering. I would become completely immersed and transferred to the magical realm of play. When I approach my pots, it often stems from the same place. Through making sets of objects which accompany one another and curate the experience, I feel that excitement all over again.
Over the last couple of years I have started to draw inspiration from looking at objects which belonged to a different period and were often not made from ceramic. Perhaps an enamel kettle, or a silver tea set. I appreciate the rich history within these and enjoy re-interpreting them into my own versions.
What/who has played an important part in your journey?
Having the opportunity to learn from a varied group of potters has been invaluable. Certainly Sabine Nemet and Nic Collins whom I apprenticed with had a long lasting impact. They taught me how to become a potter, in every sense of it.
Being a studio technician taught me about the everyday management of a studio, as well as teaching and fostering community.
What do you enjoy most about working as a Maker?
Bringing ideas to life. How it has taught me about process, and how not everything works the first time round. I have learnt patience and persistence.
Do you have a particular goal you’d like to achieve in the next couple of years?
Yes, many. I am planning to build a soda kiln, potentially fired with wood. I learnt all about wood firing and specifically soda firing during my apprenticeship.
I am also undertaking a bit of research into microcrystalline glazes and experimenting with downfiring, so let’s see where that goes.
In terms of pots, I am currently making large elaborate tea sets inspired by the 18th century silver versions. More info on this to come soon, I like to keep ideas close to my chest until I feel confident enough to share them.
Looking further into the future, I am applying to do my Masters program in order to enrich my pottery, but also to teach at University level.
Why are you excited to be showing at Makers Gallery for the first time?
I have long admired the Gallery for the standard of pots which are shown. It is an incredible opportunity for me to sit alongside particular makers whom I have looked up to for many years.
As at the time of this blog being published, two pieces are still available on the online store: a wheel-thrown teapot with slab-constructed details (stone and iron added to the clay to create a varied surface, and wooden handle made from West Australian Jarrah) and a tea/coffee scoop, slab constructed with the addition of high temperature wire (stone and iron added to the clay as with the teapot). View Lucy Be on the online store and follow Makers Gallery on Instagram for updates.
Makers Gallery provides free delivery in Metro Brisbane, postage anywhere and a pay as you go system.
If you’ve bought work from us, please get in touch with pictures. We love to check-in beyond the sold sticker and share pictures of works in their new environment, with anecdotes on how the journey is going.