Ella Rhodes (she/her)
Owner
Ella has been working with ceramics for seven years, and graduated from RMIT with a Bachelor of Fine Art (Ceramics) in 2021. She is particularly inspired by artists such as Leah Kaplan and Sharon Brill for their sculptural processes using porcelain, and is drawn to the fluidity and lines within nature and the human body. She loves to push porcelain beyond its material capabilities as this allows for the natural folding and cracking of the clay body in her sculptural works. Ella loves the challenge of a new form, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from mastering it.
Ami Fujiu (she/her)
Teacher/ Kiln Technician
Ami is Elsternwick’s kiln technician, and comes with eight years of ceramics experience and a diploma in ceramics. Ami has aspired to be a potter and kiln technician from a young age, and she has an extensive knowledge of ceramics processes. Her work is inspired by her Japanese heritage, with her work frequently reflecting Japanese techniques that aren’t commonly seen in Western pottery.
Tegan (Tig) Harris (she/her)
Teacher
Tig started her ceramics journey by attending classes at the Céramiques studios in early 2022 and has been evolving her practice ever since. She began taking ceramics classes in an effort to prioritise a hobby amongst the business of life, but it quickly turned into a deep passion that she finds both relaxing and exciting. She draws a lot of inspiration from her Nan who loved and collected ceramics. Tegan finds the trimming process the most relaxing part of the ceramics process and has enjoyed developing her skills further with the guidance and inspiration of her colleagues at the Céramiques studios.
Ellisa Foster (she/her)
Owner
Ellisa has been handbuilding and throwing for the last eight years, leaving her job as a school teacher to pursue her full time career as a ceramicist four years ago. Born into a line of potters, her adoration for ceramics combines with her extensive teaching experience to create the well rounded teaching curriculum seen at Ceramiques.
Ellisa draws inspiration from both the forms of Ancient Egyptian vessels and the colours and fluidity of the Renaissance era, with a deep appreciation for the intricacies of ceramic bodies of work. This is reflected in her own work, frequently getting lost in the meditative nature of the wheel throwing process and feeling empowered by the outcome of her creations.
Her years of experience includes understudying well known ceramicists both in Melbourne and overseas, elevating and inspiring the quality of staff and students at Ceramiques through her teachings.
Emma Wilson (she/her)
Teacher
Emma acquired a love for ceramics five years ago, and holds an admiration for her craft. Fuelled by her passion for creating functional ceramics, Emma loves to pass her knowledge on to her students and brings her passion into each class.
Jack Parnaby (he/him)
Group Manager/ Teacher
Jack is a teacher and kiln technician for Kew. He has been working with clay for five years, learning the process from a college teacher. He draws influences from natural elements which involve a lot of neutral tones and interesting textures. Jack’s favourite part of the ceramics process is the moment a pot has just come out of the bisque firing.
Zara Blake (she/her)
Teacher
Zara is a self taught ceramicist and has been practising for three years. She enjoys the throwing and firing process of making - particularly taking interest in raku explorations and using the live flame to create interesting effects onto the clay surfaces. Zara also likes handbuilding and discovering new techniques and firing methods.
Erin Bussell (she/her)
Glaze Technician
Erin has been working with ceramics for 8 years, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) for RMIT. Erin is influenced most by natural forms and the material itself and enjoys experimenting with different ways of working with ceramics materials.