Mandy Walker

I am a ceramicist with a passion for food, collaboration, art and sustainability. As a Research Scientist with CSIRO for 22 years, my scientific career studying plant colour and improving plant adaptation to climate change honed my skills in curiosity, investigation, collaboration, innovation and problem-solving, and all aspects of project development and delivery.
My creative interests in ceramics and watercolours, particularly fish-themed, have given me a rounded approach to life with a keen interest in sustainability and a place in the world since leaving science last year. I am always conscious of all those who have gone before; the custodians, the innovators and the teachers who provided us with such a rich world. The diversity of ceramic practice is thrilling to me as I am constantly seeking new ways of doing things through evening classes, workshops and collaborations with other potters and artists. I am inspired by the British studio potters such as Lucie Rie, David Roberts and Peter Beard to produce beautiful, simple functional work with interesting surfaces.
I started my ceramics journey with hand-building for several years until I became mesmerised by using the wheel to create. At present my favourite shapes are wheel-thrown beakers and bowls, using white clay mixed with porcelain or dark warm iron rich clay. Surface designs include hand-painted fish, seadragons and seahorses, layering of underglazes, sgraffito, resist techniques and underglaze transfers, and water etching for relief work. Recently I have discovered the excitement of gas firing which gives glazes a brightness and interest not achieved in an electric kiln. Other firing techniques that I am investigating include saggar smoke firing to provide dark carbon patterns on fully functional pieces. I am utilizing all my learning and experience to develop an innovative functional ceramics practice where science meets art.