This year has been a very prosperous year for me. I have recently received an ArtStart Grant to build up my ceramic practice into a proper business.
I found out that I got the grant in late April, but I wanted to wait until the money's in the bank before I write anything about it. Still can't believe I got it! On the website, artstartgrant.com.au, the grant is described as a career fertiliser, and I totally agree with it! The grant fund is substantial enough, up to $10,000, to help someone trying to set up their career with buying the essentials. I am so fortunate to be living in Australia, where grants like these exist. For me, receiving this grant means I will be able to set up my own ceramic studio at home! The 4th room in the house will finally be in production in the coming few months, after I get my kiln. The grant is also funding my travel expenses to Indonesia later this year, as a way to further explore my background and heritage. The fund will also help with ongoing costs of promoting my ceramic works, e.g. website, portfolio, etc. If you're thinking of applying for an ArtStart Grant, the next round closes in September 2014. Some tips from me when applying:
I will be writing heaps on my journey in the next 13 months or so, while I go about ceramic-ing! Till next time.
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Since October last year, I have been taking ceramic lessons from Elizabeth Lawrence at her studio in Beecroft. Elizabeth has worked in ceramics for 43 years. She has been teaching at the Macquarie Community College for more than 20 years and at Beecroft Primary School with kindergarten to year 6 children.
I admire Elizabeth's passion for teaching and for ceramics. Elizabeth, who recently celebrated her 75th birthday, has never cancelled a class, not even when she was receiving health treatments! During the evening classes I attend, Elizabeth would tell stories of her younger students, the children from the Beecroft Primary School. She taught them how to make ceramic swords, complete with their own badges and told them about the custom of tying a ribbon or a piece of cloth onto the sword as a token from their loved ones. They made ice cream cones from clay and other interesting projects that I wish I could have done when I was in primary school (it would have definitely made school more interesting). Elizabeth has a wealth of knowledge in ceramics. Her studio is packed with works she has done over the years. Students at her studio are welcomed to replicate the works, and Elizabeth is always at hand to assist when required. What I love about her is that no matter how silly my question sounds, she is always so calm and patient. If you live in Sydney, and want to learn how to do pottery, I would highly recommend enrolling into her class. How to enrol: http://www.macquarie.nsw.edu.au/course/POTTABC When: Usually weeknights, 2 hours each class, runs for 8 sessions I read an article the other day which talks about how to increase your income. Basically, take $500 of your salary and then think of ways to make that money grow. Why $500? Well, that amount is substantial enough (a pair of really nice leather boots) to do something with and yet if the idea fails, it's not so substantial (5 pairs of good work shoes) that it will impact my lifestyle. The first thing that came up to my mind was, to spend it buying shares. But this idea was quickly squashed with the realisation that I have no clue at all about dealing with shares. So... what's my idea? I'll let you know once I have it all finalised. :) Kangaroo Valley, NSW, Australia (March 2014)
At times, explaining what I mean when I say I make ceramics can be a bit difficult. Me: "Yeah, I make ceramics work." Friend: "You mean like the tiles for bathrooms and stuff?" Me: "Not really, I do make tiles, but they are more like wall decorations." Friend: "Ooohhh..." At this point I can see that my friend did not really understand what I meant. Me: "You know that movie Ghost?" Friend: "The old movie? Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze?" Me: "Yeah, you know that scene where they're making something out of clay? That's the kind of ceramics I make." Pause... Me: "But it's not sexy like that. I don't have a topless guy sitting behind me or anything. It's actually kind of messy, but fun." Me: "I make bowls and vases."
Friend: "Oooh, I get it now." Picture source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/72/Ghost_pottery_wheel.jpg/150px-Ghost_pottery_wheel.jpg When I was young, my parents used to pack up and take us on road trips. As a child, I remember gazing out of the car window as the trees went past, interspersed with houses and then rice fields and then trees. Even till now, the sight of a line of trees reminds me of my childhood holiday trips. Tomorrow I return to Elizabeth's pottery studio in Beecroft. I can't wait to feel clay on my hands again.
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Irine is a recipient of the Australia Council for the Arts' Artstart Grant (June 2014-2015).
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