Over the past couple of weeks many activities have been happening in my workshop. Drying out clay bodies, reclaiming clay, making pots, packing kiln, collecting and splitting wood, sieving glazes, making up glaze and clay tests and putting finishing touches to new kiln.
UPDATE
We appear to be living in a different time at the moment however for me life has not changed much at all.
I was fortunate to travel to Tasmania for 8 weeks from January to March and when I left the mid north coast we were gripped by terrible drought and bushfires throughout the valley. While I was away we received hundreds of millimeters of rain…phew….saved the farmers and many other industries in the area.
I am looking forward to firing my new kiln which I built August/September 2019 and have been unable to fire due to drought, fire restrictions and summer heat.
I am now in a position where I can fire my kilns….so I am busy making in anticipation of doing several firings throughout the cooler months.
If there is anything you would like to add to your collection or something special you would like to acquire please send me a message.
I can also do facetime or zoom you around my workshop and stock on hand. Please send me a message if I can help.
Stay safe out there, thank you for your continued support and warm regards to all.
Jann
The Best At Last
I will be taking part in a final exhibition for 2019 at Makers Gallery, Brisbane . If you are in the Brisbane area please do drop by to see this fine display of woodfired works at Makers Gallery https://makersgalleryaustralia.com/
Annual Open Studio 2019
I would like to extend a warm welcome to my Annual Open Studio.
It will be held on Saturday 7 December from 10am-4pm and Sunday 8 December 10am-2pm.
I have just returned from Japan where I have been making and firing. I have a small selection of pieces that I managed to bring home safely with me which will be on show.
Please drop by if you are in the area.
All welcome
Annual Open Studio 2019
New Kiln Construction
During this past week 16-22 September 2019 I have been building a new kiln based on a catenary arch design with the help of Gyan Daniel Wall.
The kiln is constructed with firebricks on the hot face backed up by commons and insulating bricks. The arch is double brick construction with back-up fibre insulation, a covering of chicken wire before an adobe ‘cob’ style mud covering.
A fire grate has been installed so as to keep the hardwood suspended while burning.
My thoughts behind this kiln is that I wish to obtain soft quite glazed surfaces from the back of the kiln while those on the hotface will be subjected to direct flame and ash. I am anticipating on firing for 30+ hours depending on stack and wood.
Completed catenary arch kiln
Anagama Firing August 2019
On the back of the Australian Ceramcis Open Studio I fired up my anagama with the help of my daughter Elise and friend Jae. We fired the kiln 72 hours and my oh my what beautiful surfaces did we receive. Had good temperature and plenty of ash moving throughout the kiln.
Australian Ceramics Open Studio 2019
My workshop has been established for over 32 years. I have a great interest in using local materials in clay bodies and glazes of which I make on the premises. My main area of focus is the production of tableware as well as one-off signature pieces. Prices ranging $15 upwards. Visitors will be able to view a production workshop in full swing and hear about the processes.
I have two woodfired kilns which produce different results.
Please come along, view the works on hand and have a cuppa and a chat.
Feel welcome to give me a call 0417 678 589 or email jann.kesby@gmail.com for further information.
https://www.australianceramicscommunity.com/listing/jann-kesby-woodfired-ceramics/
Fire & Ash - Woodfire Exhibition, Kerrie Lowe Gallery, Sydney
Please drop by this Exhibition if you are in Sydney. I will have a couple of pieces on show together with many other woodfiring artists. All welcome.
End of an era - Bourry Box
I am currently in the process of pulling down my bourry box kiln which has been part of my studio life for the past 32 years. It has had many facelifts and produced some beautiful pots with soft subtle surfaces. I initially salt glazed in this kiln and then over the years decreased the amount of salt introduced. Each time the kiln was fired the residue salt would re vaporise and create beautiful flashing. I have found this kiln to be particularly good for tableware as the works were protected from the direct flame which is somewhat different to my anagama. I am now considering my next kiln to build….stay tuned.
Anagama Firing 2019
I have recently fired my anagama aka ‘Minkie’. I took 4 days to pack the kiln and then fired her for 70 hours. Slow at first on the floor then moving to stoking through the main door into the firebox. The firing progressed well although there was a period when she stalled due to carbon cobwebs….this is caused by heavy reduction or too generous stoking…this problem was eliminated by stopping stoking all together, leaving the door closed, opening secondary air holes and mouse hole under the ember bed.
The kiln will take several days to cool and then the unpacking begins. Stay tuned for new works.
Christmas studio sale
I’m thrilled to invite you to my annual Christmas studio sale on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd December. I’ll have plates, bowls, drinking vessels, vases and my large landscape platters for sale — all from recent firings in the bourry box and anagama kilns. Cash and card accepted. I look forward to seeing you on the day.
Saturday 1st Dec - 10am - 4pm
Sunday 2nd Dec - 10am - 2pm
Map details here.
Mid North Exhibition - Makers Gallery, Clayfield, Brisbane
I will be Exhibition a new body of works with Steve Williams at Impress Printmakers Studio & Gallery, 134 Kedron Park Road, Wooloowin, Brisbane opening Saturday 9 June at 5pm with speeches by Grant Hodges at 6pm and thereafter by appointment at Makers Gallery, 53 Jackson Street, Brisbane.
Annual Christmas Open Studio
I will be holding my Annual Christmas Open Studio on the Saturday 2 December from 10-4pm and Sunday 3 December 10-2pm.
I have been busy firing throughout the year and have a range of beautiful new works for you to view.
All Welcome
UNEARTH YOUR LOCAL POTTER
AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS Open Studios
I am happy to announce that I will be taking part in this Australia wide event for the 4th consecutive year!
Saturday 19 August 10am-4pm and Sunday 20 August 10am-2pm
'This is an inspiring opportunity for the broader community to step inside the creative spaces of contemporary potters and ceramicists. It's a chance to experience the wonders of this luscious material and the skilled artisans who develop their unique voice within this ancient practice.' says 'Shannon Garson, President of The Australian Ceramics Association.'
Come along, bring your friends and experience the wonders of this unique practice.
Australian Ceramics Open Studio 2017
Come along and visit my workshop on the weekend 19-20 August 2017. I will be open from 10-4pm Saturday and 10-2pm Sunday. You will be able to view the woodfiring kilns, learn and understand more about how mud is turned into stone and see the processes involved in creating handmade objects. Bring your friends and enjoy a cuppa as you wander around.
Kerrie Lowe Gallery Christmas Exhibition
Christmas Open Studio Sale 2016
I will be opening my studio workspace on the weekend of 3rd and 4th December from 10.00am - 4.00pm. Visitors are welcome to view the kilns, see my production workshop, talk clay and purchase from my 2016 collection.
Directions: drive 1km along the Crescent Head Road, turn right into Pattersons Lane, turn left into Lily Lane once under the underpass then follow the flags.
I look forward to seeing you.
Australian Ceramics Open Studio
Over the weekend of August 20 and 21 I will be taking part in the Australian Ceramics Open Studios. My work space will be open to the public where you will be able to view a fully operational ceramics studio.
Please come along to view works in progress, kilns, enjoy a cuppa and a chat. There will be a comprehensive selection of works for you to view and purchase.
Hours are Saturday 20 August 10am-4pm Sunday 10am-2pm
Woodfire Exhibition 2016 Kerrie Lowe Gallery
My work will be on display throughout this exhibition. Be sure to drop in if you are in Sydney.
welcome
Hi all - and welcome to my new website.
For purchase enquiries, please contact me here.
