Rora and Jane catch up for a relaxed cuppa and chat. We discuss a few updates in our lives and delve into some recent discussions that piqued our interest that have been happening on Instagram. Jane also has just read Clay: A Human History by Jennifer Lucy Allen and shares some great stories from it.

As always we'd love to hear from you!

Talk to us via email birdsofclaypodcast@gmail.com or DM @birdsofclay_podcast

Find us on instagram

Rora @aurora_elwell

Jane @jane.orme.pottery

We have a special episode today – a live recording of the launch for Issue 641 of the The Journal of Australian Ceramics (JAC), Adelaide on Kaurna Land, 3 May 2025 (election day!).

The afternoon launch event included a visit to the APY Studio Adelaide, including meeting some of the Blak Manta artists featured in JAC issue 641. Then we headed to Es Ceramics studio visit to see a throwing demonstration from Guy Ringwood.

Next stop was The Wheaty for a panel discussion on the journal theme INDUSTRY & STORY with Alison Smiles, Dee Taylor-Graham, Guy Ringwood and Jo Crawford facilitated by JAC's editor Montessa Maack and Myself (Jane) and supported by WA's own Matt Russell. Introduced by the CEO of The Australian Ceramics Association (TACA) Diamando Koutsellis.

APY Studio Adelaide @collectiveartcentre @apy_ac_collective & Alfred Lowe @aforalfie

Es Ceramics Studio @es_ceramics_australia

Guy Ringwood @ringwoodartsco

Alison Smiles @alisonsmilesoften

Dee Taylor-Graham @waldies.school

Jo Crawford @unisa.art

Montessa Maack @montessamaack

Matt Russell @mattrussell7

Diamando Koutsellis @diamando

The Wheatsheaf Hotel @thewheaty

Just a heads up – the sound does get a bit better as it goes on. The Wheaty is a pub on a main road and on a flight path!

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Talk to us via email birdsofclaypodcast@gmail.com or DM @birdsofclay_podcast

Find us on instagram

Rora @aurora_elwell

Jane @jane.orme.pottery

In this episode, we sit down with celebrated Brisbane-based ceramic artist Clairy Laurence, whose bold, expressive sculptures elicit dreams, fairytales, and the surreal. Known for her richly detailed figures and distinctive visual language, Clairy shares the story behind her artistic evolution—from early apprenticeship days to her full-time practice, and her deep roots in Brisbane’s creative community. We delve into her memories of Amfora Gallery, her role in the Field Trip space, and the development of her unmistakable style. Clairy also reflects on the joys and challenges of teaching, the shifting landscape of Australian ceramics, and the development of an artistic voice.

Instagram: @clairylaurence & @fieldtrip.gallery

https://www.clairylaurence.com/