Studio Tour: A Sunny Space Where Ceramic Creations Come to Life
Tour a dynamic and organized Brisbane, Australia, home studio
Clairy Laurence makes figurative ceramic sculptures entirely by hand using techniques she has developed over three decades. She works from her studio in the converted carport of her suburban Indooroopilly home, near Brisbane, Australia. The light- and air-filled space is conveniently located, offering her a creative escape and making it easier to achieve a work-life balance.
When Laurence moved into this home in 2001 with her daughter, she started working for a pottery company that employs people with disabilities. She held a supervisory role for almost 10 years before branching out on her own in 2012. “Now I am a full-time ceramicist and loving it!” she says.
The main entrance to her studio is a few steps from her home’s front door. Behind these doors lies a creative sanctuary for Laurence to work in, seven days a week.
The generously sized space allows Laurence to have work zones conducive to each stage of the creative process. She has decorated the studio with large floor rugs, potted plants and a few treasured original artworks on the walls.
The studio also has a lot of natural light. This stained glass window had been part of a room divider inside the main house. Its new location at the front of the studio links the workspace to her home, which has the same window beside the front door.
Laurence also teaches ceramic workshops in her studio. Students Heather Blacklock, Mel Hildich and Lyn Rowland created the pieces pictured here.
Laurence also teaches ceramic workshops in her studio. Students Heather Blacklock, Mel Hildich and Lyn Rowland created the pieces pictured here.
The high windows and glass-paned door on the side of the studio bring in light during the day.
The bust pictured on the top shelf was made by another one of Laurence’s students, Amanda Whitlaw.
The bust pictured on the top shelf was made by another one of Laurence’s students, Amanda Whitlaw.
Ample wall shelving stores materials and allows works to dry and cool between firings and glazing. All of Laurence’s creations are handmade and one of a kind.
Her figurative dolls are known as the Lil Babes. They have been shown in numerous art exhibitions and are stocked by a few retail galleries in and around Brisbane. “They all have their own personalities, making them totally individual,” Laurence says.
Her figurative dolls are known as the Lil Babes. They have been shown in numerous art exhibitions and are stocked by a few retail galleries in and around Brisbane. “They all have their own personalities, making them totally individual,” Laurence says.
Drawing inspiration from the vintage Wedgwood line of majolica cabbage leaf dishes, Laurence developed her own range of cabbage tableware. “Mimicking the unpredictable shapes we see in nature, I wanted to create a more improvised line of work,” she says. “In this range you’ll find varying colors and contrasts, as well as playful and fluid forms — all characteristics I’ve found to really graciously complement handmade ceramics.”
Laurence extended her studio to open up onto a back deck, allowing a view of the bushland at the back of her property. “I love taking in this view as I work. It also helps me to be creative,” she says.
The covered back deck not only provides a larger working space for Laurence’s ceramics classes, but it also serves as a space for entertaining, including hosting Christmas dinner for family. The deck leads to the back veranda of the main home and from there into the living room.
Laurence’s studio is seen from the back deck. More light comes in through the windows above this newly opened space, and a large wood dining table provides a great communal workspace for her classes.
Despite looking quite old, this table was bought new. Laurence asked her sister-in-law to house it until she had a space to put it in. “She didn’t really have any space for it either, as it’s such a big table. So it ended up living outside in her garden for a few years. It now has a nice weathered appearance, which is fine by me,” Laurence says with a laugh.
Despite looking quite old, this table was bought new. Laurence asked her sister-in-law to house it until she had a space to put it in. “She didn’t really have any space for it either, as it’s such a big table. So it ended up living outside in her garden for a few years. It now has a nice weathered appearance, which is fine by me,” Laurence says with a laugh.
Plenty of shelf space is vital to the organization and function of any art studio. Here, pots of glaze brushes and carving tools are always readily available to Laurence and her students.
This treasured slab roller makes Laurence’s job easier. She lists it as one of the must-have items in her working studio.
More treasured items include original oil paintings by Monica and David Usher that hang on the studio wall near a newly installed bifold window.
No ceramic studio is complete without a kiln to fire the works. Laurence had this kiln shed built in the courtyard at the front entrance to the studio, making it easy to load and unload works directly at her studio door.
Laurence loves the creative space she has made for herself. Over the years she has produced a huge amount of works for exhibitions. She says each collection or series feels like a major triumph.
Tell us: Do you have a creative space at home? Post a picture in the Comments.
More Studio Tours: A Painter’s View From on Top of the World | Architects’ Office Just Steps From Their Home
Tell us: Do you have a creative space at home? Post a picture in the Comments.
More Studio Tours: A Painter’s View From on Top of the World | Architects’ Office Just Steps From Their Home
Who works here: Clairy Laurence
Age: 45
Occupation: Ceramicist
Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Nestled on a hillside street in Indooroopilly, this artist’s abode houses a remarkable studio. On arrival, guests are welcomed by a colorful mosaic-covered wall that Laurence installed herself. This exterior wall was originally part of a double carport that Laurence converted into her studio.