SARAH KOSCHAK - CERAMICIST
I grew up in the Melbourne suburbs. When I was 10 years old, we moved to Lucern, Switzerland for a year, then to Perth for a year before returning to Melbourne. I found moving at that time in my life disjointing. It was hard to be away from extended family and my school friends.
I’ve loved pottery since I was a kid. I was a keen crafter; I guess it was a thing growing up in the 70s; lots of pottery, weaving and candle-making classes. I remember being at a craft fair as a 7-year-old and seeing a potter on a kick wheel. I was mesmerised. I didn’t have a clear picture of what I wanted to be, but I loved pretending to have a cooking show on TV. I would often imagine I was presenting to camera while I cooked scrambled eggs.
I left school in year 11 and worked in cafes and restaurants in Melbourne. I studied at William Angliss, travelled, then studied traditional Chinese massage. I taught massage in the summer school at Monash University, then my partner Andrew and I started our own recording label Listening Earth. We travelled all over Australia and overseas photographing and recording the soundscapes of the natural world. As streaming and downloading of music began, our business model changed. This freed me up for what I have always wanted to do, pottery!
Andrew and I love living in the bush, and it was the box-ironbark forests that first drew us here. We have lived in the region since the mid-90s. We moved here in the dead of winter and I had a massive cold, we were renting in Barkers Creek, it snowed, and we were yet to buy firewood for heating. Everything shut at noon. Thank goodness things have changed.
I absolutely love throwing pots on the wheel. Feeling the clay move underneath your hands is the best. Lifting and forming clay into what you have imagined it so satisfying, it requires a steadiness of hand and lots of patience and practice. Prior to taking up pottery I was a nature and wildlife photographer. I think the same concentration and connection is there for me whether I am behind the camera photographing or working with clay. Both mediums require a quietness and stillness of mind and deep concentration. Travelling and nature energise me and give me perspective. It feels good to spend time away from my studio, and it’s exciting to return after a break.
I work right in the heart of Newstead, which is brilliant. I feel very fortunate to have this space. I have a gallery area where my work is displayed, and my studio at the back which has my wheel, clay, racks, kiln and raw materials for the glazes I make. You could easily walk past my studio if you didn’t know it was there. It’s a very quiet place to work in. I do open 3-4 times a year for events like Newstead Live, the CSF and Arts Open. Plus, I am happy to meet visitors by appointment.
I’m a morning person. I like to spend a full day at the studio, so I head in early. I’ll begin by preparing the porcelain clay for throwing or checking on work made the previous day. I have a monthly making cycle, which usually involves two weeks of making (throwing and trimming) then a bisque firing, making various glazes, 3-5 days glazing the pottery and then a final glaze firing. Then I start all over again. What I listen to while I’m working changes and depends on my energy levels, how much I need to concentrate and where I am in my cycle of work. Mostly I listen to music, but also podcasts and audio books, especially in winter.
Primarily my work is functional; I love knowing people will use my pieces everyday and that they will become a part of their lives, a part of their daily rituals. I’m pretty good at letting things go, sometimes I hang onto pieces for a while at the studio, it’s helpful to have time to consider them, to see what has or hasn’t worked and see if they offer inspiration for new directions. There are a few pieces I have regretted selling, there are some pieces/glazes that can never be repeated. I do have a few of my first bowls; they are used daily in the kitchen.
Advice for others wanting to work with ceramics: Find a great teacher. It takes thousands of hours to master anything and ceramics is no different, so spend the time working on your skills and don’t be in a hurry to sell your work.
Favourite things to do in the area: Catching a movie at the Theatre Royal, we have so many great cafes, bush walking in our local forests.
Tips for people thinking of moving here: Get involved with a community organisation or group, offer your skills and be useful. It’s a great way to connect with people and make a difference.
https://www.sarahkoschakceramics.com/
Newstead Open Studios 2020:
Open Studio times: 10am to 5pm, Sat 7, Sun 8 & Mon 9 March (Labour Day long weekend) plus Sat 14 & Sun 15 March 2020. Alternative times by appointment.
Download our Pocket Guide: You can download our Open Studios art trail map and our Pocket Guide (with map as well) to the Newstead Open Studios Art Trail.
newsteadopenstudios.org
