Zeynep Testoni Ceramics in Gerroa | Art school

Zeynep Testoni Ceramics

Locality: Gerroa

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25.01.2022 Each year since opening my business in 2017, I have had a fundraiser, making ceramic pieces to sell and donate 100 percent to a charity. I’ve made ‘raindrops for a farmer’, (Buy a Bale) I’ve made ‘a golden Nipple’ and pink hearts for (Breast Cancer Research). Sadly, this year our local community has been affected by a number of youth suicides. Makuta is an organisation working toward improving the wellbeing of young people in the community. I’ve made 100 yellow ‘You’ve got this’ hearts ($5 each) , 1 white heart with the words ‘I am enough’ $10 and 3 small yellow ‘You’ve got this’ ring dishes at $15 each. Send me a message to purchase/pick up from my studio in Gerroa and support local programs for youth.

25.01.2022 ‘The Year That Was’ - scrambled, confused with pockets of gold Porcelain, black underglaze and gold lustre - SOLD

25.01.2022 Each and everyone has a message for you. Look for them on the shelves @thecollectivebeat Gerringong

25.01.2022 We don’t do kid’s classes but Donna Weatherby Crooked River Pottery does! File that one away for the school holidays.

25.01.2022 MAKE YOUR OWN HERITAGE PLATTER I just wanted to let you all know about a new one-off handbuilding session I’m running. I’ve listed a few dates. It’s a handbuilding session to make your own Heritage platter. If you have a lace doily that’s been in the family for a while this is the perfect opportunity to immortalise it in clay. You can bring your own doily or use one of ours. The sessions take a maximum of 4 people so get in early. 10am-12.30pm Friday 11/9 Or 25/9 Or Sunda...y 20/9 $125 per person (includes glaze firing) https://www.zeyneptestoni.com.au/workshops

25.01.2022 Just spent the most amazing weekend learning how to work intricately and intuitively with porcelain from @juz_kitson It was so fabulous to be in such an inspiring creative space with so many incredibly talented artists. The seamless organisation by @hotson_handmade, the delicious food by @mirra_whale made the whole experience perfect! I’m looking forward to developing my practice using the techniques I learned this weekend. Thank you

25.01.2022 LEVEL UP- This is the face you make when you smash pottery goals! What you didn’t see was all the jumping for joy and the squeals of delight! (Not just Hanna...h but me too!) Hannah was one of the first students who started in my studio back in August 2017. She took some time out last year, but this year she’s back! Tonight she has turned a corner and thrown not only one but TWO very large bowls! Congratulations Hannah, I think I’m gong to need more shelves in the studio! See more

24.01.2022 ‘We carry inside us the wonders we seek outside us.’ Rumi Porcelain hand carved luminescent vessel

23.01.2022 ‘I love you to the moon and back’ So many of us use that phrase with our loved ones. Right now, even interstate can feel as far away as the moon as we’re separated from loved ones due to the Covid-19 pandemic. If this Christmas is looking a little different, if we’ll be Zoom calling one another instead of sitting around the same table together, then why not send a special handmade & textured porcelain Christmas ornament that says ‘I love you to the moon and back’? Order now so you don’t miss out. (Small $35, medium $45, large $55)

23.01.2022 Couples who clay together stay together. Tonight I got my hands dirty for the first time in over 3 months. Granted all I did was sponge some pots and write names on the bottom of them, while Marcus did the difficult bit of trimming them, but my face tells you how happy that made me. Thanks @jem.made.this for capturing this moment for us, it’s Made me cry happy tears as I post this.

23.01.2022 Mood - ‘When will you begin that long journey into yourself?’ - Rumi

23.01.2022 Thanks for the shout out!

23.01.2022 Meander series - I recently revisited this series with a couple of online orders. Porcelain with a turquoise glaze and gold lustre. The glaze meanders around the pot as a river meanders its way to the ocean. Made to order only.

22.01.2022 Oceania- Small sculptural piece , porcelain paper clay, glaze and gold lustre. (Fits in the palm of my hand) Making these pieces is my way of meditating. Mindfully rolling each piece, attaching them individually to create an organic piece that speaks to my heart.

21.01.2022 Kids Klay Workshops in Gerroa 5th Jan 12th Jan 19th Jan Workshops daily 9am (ages 8-16)... 1.5hour sessions A hands on clay making workshop with an experienced ex-primary school teacher. Each child will make 3 pieces to take home and paint at their leisure. (Take home paint included in workshop fee) $45 pp Limited numbers in session. Book in today to avoid disappointment https://www.crookedriverpottery.com.au/kids-klay #Kiama #Gerringong #Gerroa #Berry #Shoalhavenheads # clay for kids # kids pottery classes # creative kids #school holiday pottery workshop

21.01.2022 Evil eye - Nazar This symbol has been in my life since childhood. It’s a superstition that believes that an ‘evil eye’ is a curse that is cast be a malevolent glare given to a person when they’re unaware. Many cultures believe that the evil eye cast by someone can cause misfortune or injury. As such, charms and decorations which have the ‘evil eye’ stare back at the world to ward off such malevolent stares from others. If you come to my studio you could very well play ‘spot the evil eye’ as I have them everywhere. I’ve put these on the shelves @thecollectivebeat Gerringong and @sketchcoffeeandart . I hope they bring nothing but positivity into the lives of anyone who owns them.

21.01.2022 So much beauty in one photo

20.01.2022 ‘Outside the lines’ - it’s ok to colour outside the lines. Porcelain, underglazes and gold lustre.

20.01.2022 Gymea is only 1hr 20minutes from the South Coast and 45 minutes from Wollongong. Raku firing is a fun process to learn! Enrol now to avoid disappointment

20.01.2022 Gift vouchers for pottery experiences! Yes! Pick up in studio or electronic voucher online https://www.zeyneptestoni.com.au/shop

19.01.2022 A big Thankyou to everyone that came to our birthday party celebrations! The town was full of good food, friendly folk & amazing vibes We will be running dis...counts over the whole weekend so if you couldn't make it in today, pop in tomorrow, we're open until 4pm ... #gerringong #thecollectivebeat #shellharbour #wollongong #coalcoast #sydney #shoalhaven #berrynsw #marketlife #supportlocal #supportsmallbusiness #localgoodsforlocalfolks #marketlife #ladystartups #mumswithhustle #handmade #handmadeau #madeinaustralia #trendy #uniquestyles #marketplace #collectivehub #collaborate See more

19.01.2022 ‘Microcosm of my universe’ Porcelain cake stand black underglaze sgraffito and gold lustre design

19.01.2022 Always look for the moments of gold in a black and white world. New Years Eve may feel a little lack lustre, especially when so many of us are still living with restrictions due to Covid-19. However, you can still choose to sparkle or create a little sunshine right where you are. I choose to focus on all that is right, all that is good and all that brings joy. It’s why my Dad has always called me Pollyanna since I was a little girl. I’m sending sparkle and joy out tonight to the world to see in 2021. May 2021 kick 2020 in the shins!

19.01.2022 ‘Microcosm of my universe’ Cake plate - porcelain s graffiti and gold lustre design

19.01.2022 All things classes related is on the Soul Clay Studios page! All things handmade ceramics related on this account.

19.01.2022 CENTRE - Zeynep Testoni has 30 years of teaching experience behind her. Her classes are structured for success but are also challenging enough to ensure you grow and develop the essential skills to take your pottery experience as far as you’d like it to go. In the 3 years since we opened 100s of people have had the opportunity to try their hand at pottery and satisfy their curiosity about clay. Some have come once, others back again and again and some have never left! Some ha...ve found their ‘happy place’ and some have taken what we’ve been able to give them to create their own small business. Did you know all of the following businesses have some connection to our studio? They may have used the facilities and taught with us like Donna @crooked_river_pottery & Fran @kiamaceramicartstudio to then open their own studios and collaborate as @south_coast_ceramics or they may have come for lessons, become great friends and started a business together like @feedmamafirst Or they’ve come and learned pottery here, something was sparked in the studio and now they have their own branding and business like @cbf_ceramics @sammiemae__ @cindytong_me @barefootfivetribe @adsmark71 Of course there are also those people who are very content to come and play with clay each week as their time out, their meditation, their hobby. It’s amazing to see the transformation in everyone. (you know who you are ) You could say we’re striving to become a centre of excellence for ceramics education on the #southcoastnsw With the skill and expertise of guest artists and teachers on board in 2021 we can only get better! Thank you to each and every person who has found their CENTRE here @gerroapotterystudio See more

19.01.2022 One - just one. That’s the nature of my work. I make one of a kind things. This cup, that plate, the blue and white bowl in the background. If you like being the person who has something unique, something that no one else has, then these beauties are sitting on a shelf @sketchcoffeeandart waiting for you.

19.01.2022 A video I made last year. The backing song is one which always makes me happy.

18.01.2022 Pinched Porcelain black underglaze gold lustre

18.01.2022 CONNECT- Porcelain wheel thrown & altered vase - I had so much joy when making this vessel. I was sitting facing the ocean and mindfully making as I often do. I fell in love with the piece once finished and was literally hugging it and smiling. Clay has a way of doing that. I got impatient and wanted it finished, I rushed the glazing and decide to raw glaze it. (Missed our one of the firings and took it straight to temperature.) Porcelain being porcelain, very temperamental,... it cracked where it was thin. Clay has a way of doing that too. There was a time when this would make me cry, - the time, the energy and thought it took to make a piece I love, mixed with the disappointment of seeing it come out of the kiln flawed. Of course, I’m disappointed, of course I wish it were perfect, but I know even with its flaws it’s beautiful and I love it just the same. I’m not ready to let go of this just yet, but @ashleigh_sims_ & @ellevaughanx we all know what will happen now that I’ve said that, the pot itself might be ready to let go of me. See more

18.01.2022 ‘You are at the whim of an ocean of emotions’ Every single one of us in 2020.

17.01.2022 Look at the ware boards above the wheel! So clever!

17.01.2022 Three years ago after moving to the South Coast I met this incredibly dynamic and creative woman named Zara @myginjaninja who happened to have the stall next to me at Gerringong markets. She made me feel welcome and was one of the first of many friendly faces I met on that day (@belindadoyledesign, Fiona and more) Zara had a wealth of knowledge about markets, marketing, business and creative enterprises that she was willing to share and helped me to ease into this new realm. ...I’ll never forget that day. It’s going to be sad to see her leave, but I know that we’ll be forever connected creatively. Wishing her every success in everything she does! #Repost @myginjaninja with @get_repost Just over 2 weeks to go until we officially leave the South Coast for Canberra and the goodbyes are getting real Today I was gifted a beautiful Christmas handmade ornament from @zeyneptestoni_ceramics I will cherish this thoughtful gift for years to come Zeynep and I met at Gerringong markets about 3 years ago and I was drawn to her calming and genuine soul. A lady with immense life experience who took a leap of faith to follow her creative dreams - a true inspiration. I will miss my market family on the coast but know that we will always be cheering each other on. It has been an absolute privilege to watch so many local designers and handmade businesses grow and flourish. May the rest of 2020 be kind to you all. With restrictions lifted, I hope you are able to spend time with your loved ones and to enjoy just being. I look forward to reconnecting in 2021! Take care ~ Be kind ~ Stay safe

17.01.2022 Marcus - he really is the real Most Valuable Player in this partnership. #marcusistherealmvp Last night, someone in the studio said, is there anything you don’t do Marcus? That’s just it. He always says why not? Why can’t we? Let’s do it? He knows every single thing about the process of pottery because since the beginning he’s been interested in what I do and has wanted to ensure things run smoothly. Since we opened @soul_clay_studios in April this year, he hasn’t had a day ...off. He organises the recycling, studio operations, the catering, the fit outs, the kilns, anything and everything that needs doing he makes it happen. He’s had to take on a huge workload, especially since my shoulder surgery and he has never once done it begrudgingly and always with a smile. I took this photo when he was trimming workshop pots the other week, he looked so at ease doing it, he looked up and there was this expression of joy. I know we’re both in this together forever. Thank you @marcus_testoni for choosing to be part of this crazy plan I had to make pottery both our day jobs! See more

17.01.2022 There’s so much happening, yet I have no new work to post on my Instagram feed. I’m currently concentrating on getting our Gerringong pottery studio (@soul_clay_studios) chugging along with classes and workshops, and attending physiotherapy for my shoulder. My home studio is looking a little sad and in need of a revamp since we moved all the pottery wheels and equipment to the bigger studio. I’m looking forward to when I can get back in there and start creating again. No idea when that will be, my shoulder will dictate that. Bear with me, I’m doing my best. I still have some work on display/sale @thecollectivebeat Gerringong, @sketchcoffeeandart , @flying_pig_gallery , @kiamansw visitor’s centre @thegardenberry and online. Thank you all for supporting local and handmade.

17.01.2022 Centre| Create| Connect I thought it was time I reintroduced myself. I’m Zeynep, and I’ve found my Centre (my core, my essence, my happy place) through clay over the last 4-5 years. I was working in a high school in Sydney, in an acting Deputy Principal position when I went to do that pottery course I always wanted in order to find a way to destress, stop thinking about my day and just have some fun. Two evenings a week turned into using my 3rd floor apartment laundry and ba...lcony as a studio, taking a year off work, enrolling in a Diploma in Ceramics in 2016 & falling in love with the joy of clay! In 2017, whilst still applying for Deputy Principal positions on the South Coast, I took a leap of faith and started selling my ceramics at markets as well as joining @thecollectivebeat. I began teaching pottery out of my garage studio in Gerroa after we made the sea change with my husband @marcus_testoni. I resigned from my day job at the beginning of 2018 and now I CREATE! I create handmade one of a kind, small batch ceramics, I create memorable pottery experiences for anyone who comes to my studio , and I’ve created my ‘encore’ career that will see me right through to my 90s! Of course, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t CONNECT with all the wonderful people who have supported my journey, my family, my friends and each and every person who has stocked my ceramics, bought my ceramics or attended one of my classes. (@gerroapotterystudio ) It’s the connection with clay, with making and with people that brings me JOY and I hope you too! See more

16.01.2022 Spectrum - we say two ends of the spectrum to refer to things that are so different from one another. With my work, I would say it spans the whole spectrum. From the simplicity of white, to speckles, to colour bursts all the way to over the top gold. I like it that way. It means I’m not confined to producing the same thing repeatedly. It means I can be creative in the moment and make mindfully. It means that each piece is always a one-off original design. It also means it’s a snap shot in time. One things that makes me the happiest about my work is to see the reaction in people when the right piece speaks to them.This is a one of my shelves in Huskisson @thecollectivebeat_huskisson It’s just there waiting for the right person to come along. forever grateful

16.01.2022 I keep hearing myself say ‘I’m not production potter’. I have a huge admiration for those that have the skill to reproduce the consistency of shape and size over and over 100s at a time. I know the determination, concentration and precision required to do so. For me, I’m a small batch maker, my limit is about 20 before I start to waver. That’s why when I get an order for about 15 mugs it takes me that little bit longer than it might take others. The handles on porcelain mugs are tricky, they must be dried slowly to avoid cracking. What helps to keep me grounded and focused on continuous improvement is to only compare myself to myself. Am I better at this than I was yesterday, last week, last month, last year? The answer is yes! I’m getting better at it each and every day! I love my day job!

16.01.2022 Make things that make your soul sing! Nothing more nothing less. I approach my making with that philosophy, I make it because I like making it. The bonus for me is when someone gravitates to it on the shelves and picks it up knowing they want to take it home. Thank you

15.01.2022 It absolutely makes me so happy that my garage studio is a creative space for everyone to feel inspired to do their best! So glad to see Adam back on the wheel after a 2 year break.

15.01.2022 Thank you! Although I had a few glitches trying to get this order together on time , (handles cracking, kiln over firing then dying etc etc) I got there. As a one woman show everything from the wedging and preparing the clay, making the mugs, attaching the handle, firing, glazing, gold lustre detail, firing a third time, smoothing the bottoms, sealing with @liquid_quartz_sealer, packaging, wrapping, invoicing, absolutely everything is done by me. I lose count of the number of times the mugs pass through my hands. The hands of the designer, small batch maker, creator of one-off ceramics. They are each slightly different but that’s what makes them unique. I have a heart full of gratitude for local South Coast businesses who are choosing to buy their corporate Christmas gifts from local artists. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

15.01.2022 This is the side of pottery that many people don’t see. During some of my one-off workshops sometimes people arrive with a preconceived idea of pieces they’d like to make. Some of those ideas are along the lines of wanting to speed skate before learning to walk. Pottery is a slow process of acquiring skills, consolidating those skills and building on those skills, day after day, week after week, year after year. It’s not something you ‘nail’ in a one-off session. What happened here? The walls of a closed vessel were far too thick, & there were most likely some air bubbles, it’s also possible the pieces weren’t completely dry. We’ll never know. What I’ve learned for myself, is not to put my work in the same kiln as workshop pots. Ain’t nobody got time for that kind of anxiety!

15.01.2022 ‘Outside the lines’ - I remember when I was about 8 years old I used to spend hours lying on the floor drawing squiggles and patterns on paper and colouring them in being super careful to stay inside the lines. I’d end up with lots of amazing patterns that I loved. I don’t know what happened to those bits of paper. During lockdown I played with that notion of colouring in with these porcelain bowls. This time I went ‘Outside the Lines’ because I can.

15.01.2022 Shire Farmer’s market today! Tea from Two Homes, a fabulous business who always support makers and creators

14.01.2022 Here’s the thing - yes I love colour, it’s an expression of my mood, but I also do subdued and understated too. Sometimes I’m OTT and sometimes I’m not. I make what I make because I like making it in that moment. There may only ever be one of a particular design. That’s why I say, if you see it and it speaks to you grab it as it may never come again. @thecollectivebeat

13.01.2022 This is the reason why I do what I do! I strongly believe for everyone who comes to my studio "your success is my success!' If something I say or do, encourages you, or inspires you, teaches you, enables you or resonates with you then I'm working in my purpose. Thank you to each and every person who has found a little something for themselves in my studio. Well done Ame! These pieces are stunning! Congratulations.

13.01.2022 Thanks so much! So wonderful to be part of such a talented and vibrant art community of Kiama!

13.01.2022 What day is it? 2020 was a blur.

12.01.2022 ‘Outside the lines’ - porcelain, underglazes and gold lustre.

11.01.2022 Cobalt and gold porcelain plate - (sold) There really is something about gold that speaks to me. Maybe because at times I’m so OTT.

11.01.2022 ‘Love will find a way’ - gold lustre porcelain ring dish. This little dish has found its way to a beautiful couple as a wedding gift. There are a few similar dishes with other beautiful messages on them sitting on the shelves @thecollectivebeat Gerringong. You just need to look for the message that speaks to you

10.01.2022 ‘Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.’ Rumi Wheel thrown and pinched porcelain luminescent vessel.

10.01.2022 Centre | Create | Connect One-off pottery workshops designed for you to spend time with friends, connecting and creating beautiful memories together in clay. Classes are maximum 4 people at a time which makes for a chilled intimate get together. Choose from 2 hours of wheelthrowing or 2.5 hours of handbuilding (Make your own Heritage platter with doilies or nature inspired platter with foraged greenery) ... Dates listed on website or contact us for a private booking. Gerroa Pottery Studio https://www.zeyneptestoni.com.au/workshops

09.01.2022 Australian Ceramics Open Studio weekend! 21 & 22 November 10am-4pm 6 Akuna Street Kiama Come and see a pottery studio in action, demonstrations, studio tour! ... Buy handmade ceramics directly from artists Frances Smith Zeynep Testoni Donna Weatherby & students See more

09.01.2022 I’ve created this collection of hearts and small dishes in order to raise funds for @makutayouth who are running programs to prevent youth suicide and promote wellbeing. Yellow hearts $5 each (I have 100 of them) (87 left) Ring dishes $15 each ( ALL SOLD) ‘I am enough’ heart $10 SOLD Here’s how! ... 1. Donate directly to @makutayouth on their website https://checkout.square.site//b0cb490019fe4267b796511f439a 2. Send me a DM of the receipt 3. Pick up equivalent number hearts from the studio in Gerroa or I will post them to you at my cost if you provide your address. See more

08.01.2022 Never ever forget where you came from and the people who helped you get to where you wanted to. The Collective Beat - here’s the thing. 3 years ago, I was new here, new to this local area, new to ceramics, new to Instagram and really unsure about where I was going with all this. All I knew was I loved making pottery, I loved creating and I loved the response that people would have to my ceramics. I met @belindadoyledesign at Gerringong markets, she had a stall across from me.... She told me about this place called @thecollectivebeat_gerringong that was opening up and looking for local artists, creatives and makers to come on board. I did. After all, I told myself, my worst case scenario was my fall back to being a substitute teacher in a high school. We started initially in a place called Berrycool, I had a single trestle table sized stall. We then moved to Gerringong on 1st September 2018. The retail presence has been amazing for my one-woman show of a business. It’s enabled me to remain in my studio, keep making and teach classes. It’s given me a local presence, people know my work, they know where to buy it, and they return when they have a special gift in mind. My stall is amongst some other fabulous artists, and where Belinda and I started out across from one another at a market, we’re now side by side. My work is also now in a smaller space @thecollectivebeat_huskisson and yesterday when I went to restock I spotted my porcelain bowl in the shop window. If you know me well, you know I did a happy dance! Emily, the founder of this amazing enterprise I have so much gratitude for what you’ve created. Thank you for enabling people like me to get their business off the ground, thanks for helping us to ‘level up’ from markets to shop front! See more

07.01.2022 Gerroa Rockshelf - (another view of the same piece) occasionally I let my mind wander and when I do this happens. This piece evokes the spectacular Rockshelf and ocean in my home of Gerroa.

07.01.2022 Pottery making is so satisfying! Well done Juliette's Wheelhouse

07.01.2022 ‘The year that was’ - confused, crushing and chaotic with a smattering gold moments (SOLD)

06.01.2022 Pottery for the Soul

06.01.2022 Visit www.zeyneptestoni.com.au for more!

05.01.2022 552. Throwing a roller texture teapot. Watch the detail in dual views and HD quality on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsnN6u2yGik

05.01.2022 So wonderful to share the joy of connection with clay! There’s something special about spending time with friends to celebrate a birthday. Experiences over things any day!

05.01.2022 Gerroa Rockshelf - occasionally I let my mind wander and when I do this happens. This piece evokes the spectacular Rockshelf and ocean in my home of Gerroa.

05.01.2022 The art & science of balancing!!

03.01.2022 Have you visited our boutique store in the heart of Huskisson? Featuring handmade, and local small businesses, it has everything from gorgeous South Coast ins...pired wall art, through to hand-crafted jewellery, handpoured candles, and locally procured treats to fill your #emptyesky. Visit our Huskisson store at 51a Owen St, open 7 days. . . . . . #jervisbay #shoalhaven #southcoastnsw #australia #jervisbaytourism #huskisson #visitshoalhaven #visitnsw #southcoast #nsw #seeaustralia #vincentia #nowra #travel #shoalhaventourism #visithuskisson #beach #jervisbaynsw #hyamsbeach #jervisbayweddingvenue #destinationnsw #wanderlust #rejuvenateshoalhaven #boodereenationalpark #jervisbayholiday #nature #jervisbayaccommodation #illawarra See more

03.01.2022 @sketchcoffeeandart Best coffee south of Sydney! Best gift shopping too, always , supporting local artists and makers , including me!

03.01.2022 When Cita @bonepearlqueen suggested an artistic collaboration, I was very excited but also a little apprehensive. As an educator, I have spent my whole career collaborating, I know how to lead teams, curriculum change, syllabus implementation, team teach, share & create teaching resources, as well as collaborate with agencies to achieve the best possible outcomes for students. When it comes to a collaborative artwork I was at a loss. Cita guided the process so well that even... though it was a little out of my comfort zone it was so much fun! It was just what I needed to slow down after an overwhelming week! Thanks Cita! #Repost @bonepearlqueen with @get_repost Collaborative works with @zeyneptestoni_ceramics in her magical studio space in Gerroa. With the sea at her doorstep this felt like the most perfect place to make these sculptural forms in porcelain. We each worked on a piece with a timer on the go swapping over every six minutes. Brilliant fun and such an effervescent way to work. A lively way to create and learn. This process of working was inspired by the Juz Kitson workshop I did earlier this year #zeyneptestoni #artiststudio #gerroapotterystudio #australianceramics #nswsouthcoast #gerroa #nowra #collaboration #céramique #keramik #krukmakeri #contemporaryceramics #contemporarycraft #seasponge #sevenmilebeach #shoalhaven See more

02.01.2022 CREATE - we’ve all spent this year in such upheaval, uncertainty and hyper vigilance. We’ve been separated from loved ones, (some of us still are), we’ve had to find new ways of marking occasions like birthdays, weddings and sadly even our funerals have had to be different. It’s still not over, next year is not looking too much different at the moment. One thing that has helped me feel grounded, connected to my soul and moving forward has been my pottery. Not only what I cre...ate, but seeing pottery create joy and connection in others. For some it was what helped them endure the roller coaster ride that was 2020. Right now, it’s time for us all to CREATE some new memories with our loved ones. With canceled trips, visits and modified get togethers we’ll all be celebrating a little differently this year. Find ways to CENTRE yourself, CREATE joy, and CONNECT with others. Remember ‘don’t let anyone burst your bubble!’ Much love Zeynep x @soul_clay_studios #gerroansw See more

02.01.2022 ‘KILN KAPERS’ - @gerroapotterystudio we’ve been operating 2 medium electric kilns and a small kiln pretty much 24/7 for the past couple of months. 2 kilns get loaded, they’re fired, they cool down to under 100 degrees, they get unpacked and then loaded again. That means at times I’m loading kilns at midnight. Two weeks ago one of the kilns decided it had had enough. We’re down to 1 medium and 1 small kiln. I’ve been using the small kiln for bisque and the other one for glaz...e firings. With the volume of work to be fired - mainly student work made for Christmas & one-off workshop pieces it has meant my work has not been fired now for 2 weeks. Unfortunately, I can’t take any orders for Christmas as from today, there’s no way they’ll be ready in time. I have plenty of things already out there at my stockists or in my studio shop. You’re always welcome to pop in and browse the shelves just send me a message first. See more

02.01.2022 ‘Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.’ I have a fascination with porcelain. I keep moving through to other clays and keep coming back to porcelain. I remember the first time I had success throwing with porcelain I exclaimed to my husband, Marcus @marcus_testoni , Marcus, I think I found my soul clay! It’s exactly that. It just feels so right and each time I open the kiln my heart skips a beat. It’s mostly the porcelain pieces that I want to hold onto the most. So if it’s for sale, and it’s porcelain you are buying a small piece of my heart.

02.01.2022 So happy to be part of the ceramics event of the year, The Ceramics Congress! The Ceramic Congress, hosted by The Ceramic School, is an online global ceramics ...festival, runs for 72 hours. With over 30 featured artists, no matter where you are in the world, there will be exciting sessions during your awake time! When: November 27th-29th 2020. Where: Online Cost: USD $10.00 This year, the Congress focused country is Korea. There will be a whole day to focus on Korea and Korean artists. Including Onggi pot making, Celadon, ceramic flower making, cooking class, cultural tour, studio tour and Korean ceramic exhibition: Transcending Heritage. Amazing line up of artists! For full list of artists and details https://tinyurl.com/y589ztd6 \

01.01.2022 I love carving. I really do. It’s a meditation in itself. Each one of these yarn bowls has been individually carved, each design unique, every notch one by one, slow, steady therapeutic. Clay is my happy place.

01.01.2022 2020 was a huge year! Although it was challenging, surreal and uncertain, it has left us celebrating connection. This is some of our pottery family (some who were unable to join us) Thank you to Lauren and Dan https://m.facebook.com/blueswimmerrestaurant/ for an amazing atmosphere and delicious dinner! Thank you to each and every person who has come to the studio to centre, create, connect! Looking forward to a bigger and better 2021!