NEWS from Lisa: April Anticipated
Between much research, experimentation and making in March, I’ve really enjoyed being an Artist-in-Residence at Saint Patrick’s College for Boys, participating in the Hunter Valley community event ‘A Bit of Broke’, hosting more flower and bird workshops and enjoying a series of very engaging Open Studios.
If you’re a current Bakehouse patron, you’ll know just how much excitement has been building for many of us here, in the approach to April —bringing with it, the much-anticipated biennial event, Clay Gulgong 2026. So please note that this month, the Studio will be closed from Monday 13 - Saturday 18.
‘Stone Hinge’.
In the Studio
In March, I also completed stoneware glaze firings of ‘Stone Hinge’ a new art work consisting of seven big, landscape-inspired shapes, ‘planted’ for now in the back garden.
After many glaze tests, it was also time to choose a clay body and glaze types for my kaleidoscope of sea butterflies. I’ve been experimenting with various porcelain clays and crystalline glazes, to try and express the iridescence of these wonderous winged gastropods and have now finally made some decisions. Looking forward to completing a glaze firing soon.
See some of my glaze tests and prototypes below.
Artist-In-Residence - Saint Patricks
Totems made at Saint Patricks - bisque stage.
…and the glazed final works.
What an unexpected joy it has been to work with 16 year 10 boys at Saint Patrick’s for a series of hand-building and glazing workshops on making totems to reflect their favourite artist. Despite the incredible constraint of one hour class times, students loved the process and the results have been great! I also had the pleasure to work with 18 teachers on a banksia-inspired totem for the school grounds. Thanks to great head teacher Anthony Porra and the art department for inviting and supporting me. It was wonderful to see the students’ and teachers’ passion for sculpture and ceramics manifest.
Totem beads made at ‘A Little Bit of Broke’ community event.
A Bit of Broke
What a great day I had offering a free community totem-making experience at Winmark Wines as part of the Bit of Broke biennial event. This project will be completed by the team at Winmark to create an outdoor sculpture for the Cellar Door.
For more ceramic workshops to be held in the Hunter Valley, please keep an eye out on the Winmark website or join their newsletter mailing list. You can find details here.
Workshops
March also saw more popular bird and flower workshops here and in the Blue Mountains with lots of fun had by all. Many thanks to Sharron from S.Mountain Ceramics for hosting me again. Check out some of the great work produced below.
Autumn Early Bird Specials
This month, we’re releasing a limited number of early bird spots for our upcoming Autumn/Winter workshops—available exclusively to registered newsletter subscribers.
Be sure to check your April newsletter for access to these special links, which unlock a 20% discount on selected workshops. Each workshop has just four early bird places available, so don’t miss out!
Hope to see you soon!
Lisa
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Totems
May 9, 16, 23
Landscape Vases
July 11, 18 & 25
Native Flower Totem
August 1, 8 & 15
Birds
August 29 & September 5
Totems
October 24, 31 & November 7
Goddess Candle Sculpture
December 9
Monday Mornings (except April 13)
10am - 1pm
Thursday Evening (except April 16)
6pm - 9pm
Friday Afternoons (except April 17)
2pm - 5pm
BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE
IMPORTANT CLAY GULGONG NOTICE:
Due to this favourite Clay conference, the Bakehouse Studio will be closed from Monday 13- Saturday 18.
Find out more information about this special biennial event here.
Studio Induction / Orientation sessions:
2026 Studio inductions can be completed on-line for those who are new to the Studio.
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