By Matthew Sims
Beaconsfield’s Susi Fraser loves turning an ordinary piece of clay into an extraordinary piece of art or someone’s new favourite piece of homeware.
You may find her toiling away at her pottery wheel moulding her newest piece or waiting for the next batch of works to come out of the kiln with her dog Annie.
She is opening her new Red Fox Pottery gallery and studio at 73 Intrepid Street in Berwick to the public on Saturday 26 August from 9am to 1pm.
Fraser said pottery is a natural love and extension of her other artistic interests.
“I’ve always been interested in art,” she said.
“I’m a creative person.”
“I have always wanted to do pottery.”
Fraser said she loves bringing natural materials to life every day.
“It was an instant love for clay,” she said.
“I think it is something from the earth and you create something from it.
“It becomes an extension of yourself.”
Fraser said one of her main goals was to ensure she only uses Australian materials and promotes Australian artists, with the gallery set to display works across a range of media from Aidan Weichard from Garfield, Kelly Kondis from Sassafras, Andrea Hopgood from Berwick and Alison Premischook from the Mornington Peninsula.
“I’m really wanting to promote and support local artists,” she said.
“We have so much talent here in Victoria and Australia.”
Since launching Red Fox Gallery in 2015, she said she is only continuing to gain in popularity.
“It’s given me the opportunity to expand my craft,” she said.
“It’s pretty humbling when people come back to buy one of your pieces.
Fraser’s pieces range from one-off creations to functional items like jugs and mugs.
One particular artistic motif which she continues to return to is the ‘Green Man’, associated with a Pagan god and representing rebirth.
“I found that fascinating because I love nature,” Fraser said.
The new space also includes a new studio for Fraser to work at her pottery wheel, workbench and placing the pieces into two TeFlow kilns.
She is also planning to host workshops as soon as possible after the gallery launch, including pottery and welcoming local artists into the space to host their own workshops for the public.
“What I hope they get from this is an appreciation for other crafts,” Fraser said.
“There is something really amazing when you create something and can take it home.”
She is also planning to open up her studio to other artists to come and work on their own pieces.
Fraser said she is excited to continue to develop her art and her passion for local artists.
“It’s definitely heart-warming,” she said.
“I couldn’t do this without the support of my customers.
“I’m definitely lucky to do what I love as my job.”
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/RedFoxPotteryAu
