Our teachers

 Pottery teachers

Judith Hoffman

Judith Hoffman sits at a pottery wheel throwing a small cylinderJudith is a ceramic artist with almost 20 years of experience in wheel throwing and handbuilding. She works from her backyard studio in Rosanna and regularly participates in design markets in and around Melbourne. She also draws on her background in education to create engaging and supportive workshops for students of all levels. Judith will be teaching Wednesday nights and some Saturdays. We're so excited to have her join the studio!

 

Jessie Pittard

Jessie Pittard stands in front of rows of shelves full of drying pottery. She is holding two bowls resting on round batts that are stacked.

Jessie is an Eltham based artist, printmaker and ceramist. An accomplished wheel thrower and hand builder, Jessie is a regular Monday morning teacher with our adult wheel throwing class, and also teaches children and teens at ClayTalk, Montsalvat.  Jessie also runs 'My Backyard Adventures' where she creates and designs whimsical, fun and functional products for the young and the young at heart.  

Alyssa Potter

Alyssa, a white Caucasian female with dark brown and pink hair, holds a ceramic hamburger and is pretending to take a bite Alyssa is the owner of Clae Space and a budding ceramicist. She has spent her life creating in various forms - from crochet, macrame, painting, sewing and baking. She loves learning and is passionate about testing and trying new clays, glazes, underglazes and techniques. She has a background in Communications and Performing Arts and loves teaching both kids and adults. You will generally meet her at our School Holiday Program and our Pottery & Prosecco and Boobs & Bubbles events.

  

Liz Notley

Picture of Liz Notley standing behind her triangular vase wearing a bright coat.

Liz has been a potter for the last 10 years and is constantly learning and constantly inspired by the work of others. She’s done everything from Nerikomi, wheel throwing, hand building, slip casting, decorating, glazes and wood firing. She recently retired from her role in biosecurity and zoos. Along with teaching at Clae Space, she also volunteers and also works as a teacher at Clay Talk. She is also the volunteer coordinator for the annual Pottery Expo in Warrandyte! Come along to one of our Wheel & Wine nights, Friday Combo class and other workshops to learn from her!

 

Vivienne Taylor 

Viv Taylor sits at a pottery wheel making a small bowl out of white clay.

Viv is a ceramic artist who is currently studying Secondary Teaching at ACU. She is an accomplished wheel thrower and sgraffitto artist making incredibly detailed works which she sells through Etsy as well as regularly displaying in shows. She has recently started teaching Secondary students so has moved into a casual role with us. 

 

 

 

Kirsten Formston

Kirsten Formston sits at a pottery wheel making a tall cylinder.

Kirsten is a ceramist based in Wonga Park where she runs her ceramics production and classes at Formston Ceramics. She comes from a family of potters, with her Mum a production studio potter and her Dad a ceramics teacher at Holmesglen. She is a wonderful and knowledgeable wheel throwing teacher who teachers our Wednesday and Friday day adult wheel throwing classes and the occasional one-off class. When she's not potting, she also works as a Paramedic with Ambulance Victoria.

 

The Studio teachers

 Apoorva Malik

Apoorva smiles away from the camera with a street scene in the backgroundApoorva is a passionate creative with love for all things handmade and is in her final year of studying psychology. As the founder of The Handmade Store, she has turned her artistic talents into a thriving business, specialising in handcrafted customised gifts and unique craft workshops. With a background in hosting a wide variety of creative events  from therapeutic journaling sessions to tote bag painting and terrarium making— Apoorva brings a wealth of experience and a joyful approach to teaching.

Known for her warm, friendly demeanor, she creates a supportive and inspiring environment for students of all ages. Apoorva believes that everyone has an inner artist just waiting to be discovered.