Chez Pottery

Tucked away in the Tweed Valley, and just south of Murwillumbah is the tiny town of Burringbar, NSW. Burringbar features a general store, a butcher, an antique store with café and gallery, a few shops and cafes, as well as an exceptionally good artisan cheese business. It’s well worth the day trip to explore the beautiful countryside and sample some great local products.

Burringbar is also home to local teacher and pottery artist, Chez Pottery.

In her studio in Burringbar, Chez creates unique pieces of art which aim to capture the colours of the local area. Her ceramics feature beautiful and earthy tones of the warm sands and natural clay deposits located along the far north coast of NSW, the stunning blue endless skies and aqua hues of the beaches, and the rich greens found within the rainforests.

Chez’s beautiful pottery tumblers are made from clays in a range of earthy colours, some of which is recycled. They can be used for hot or cold drinks as they are great at holding temperature. No two of her pieces will ever be the same, and that’s why we think they’re perfect to include in our Tea For One and Tea For Two Hampers.

We had a chat with Chez to learn more about how her small business came to be:

How did you start out in the world of pottery?

I have always loved to create from the time I could hold a pencil. I began making pottery in high school and pursued my passion for creation, completing a Bachelor of Visual Arts, Art Certificate and Ceramic certificate to improve my practice. Ceramics was an area I could easily sell functional ware and exhibit sculptural pieces.

Do you remember what the first piece you ever made was?

One of the first pieces I ever made was a little closed top pinch pot with lid, decorated with mushrooms. I still have it.

Can you tell us about a typical day of making in your studio?

I usually start early on the wheel so the work has dried out enough by late afternoon to turn the bases ready to totally dry. Once it is completely dry, I pack it into the kiln for a bisque firing.

Or, I set up work ready to glaze. I either brush by hand, spray or dip each piece, or a combination of all three. Then, the pieces are packed into the kiln ready for a glaze firing.

In between, I unpack the kiln, which usually involves a happy dance. Opening a successful firing is like opening presents at Christmas. I then grind the bases, box orders as well as recycle the left-over clay from the process.

Are any of your items more difficult or laborious to produce?

The larger the piece the more laborious it becomes. Having only a small kiln, I keep my work at a manageable size. Sculptural pieces take a long time for me to perfect the curves, lines and shape of the piece. Teapots are very fiddly and time consuming but sometimes I make them for the challenge and rarely sell for the price that covers the time to create.

Do you feel that support for small local businesses has grown in recent years?

Absolutely. I have been involved with supplying my ceramics to three local businesses, and as their business has grown, so has the demand for my work. I feel blessed to be a part local business.

What do you love most about the business?

The practice. The making and creating. I am always learning new things. Every part of the process I find therapeutic and I have been working with clay for just over 40 years.

What is your vision for Chez Pottery?

I am starting to really develop a brand. People are recognising my work and that makes me very happy. I feel a need to refine my practice and supply work as needed. I am also a member of North Coast Ceramics Inc. and am looking forward to continued exhibitions and selling my wares at their artisan markets.

Do you offer any workshops or classes to teach your craft to others?

I teach at high schools and primary schools in the Tweed and Byron Shire and whenever it fits into the curriculum, will be instructing students and introducing them to clay. I have also run Professional Development sessions for teachers and workshops at Tweed Regional Gallery, reinforcing the therapeutic and well-being gained from working with clay. I have been teaching in workshops at various pottery businesses which had to cease due to COVID-19, but hopefully will start again soon. There is a huge interest in this community for children and adults to have a play with clay.

Where can people see more of your products?

You can follow me on Facebook or on Instagram @chezpottery

Tweed Valley Whey Cheese at Burringbar

Seven Blooms at The Commons, Casuarina 

And dine off my plates and bowls Potager, Carool.

Chez' pottery tumblers feature in the Tea For One and Tea For Two Hampers.