Jeanne Powell
in interview…
Q. When and where did your interest in clay begin?
A. With marriage, migration and motherhood sorted, my long wished for journey in ceramics finally got underway in 1971 when I found myself in Albany for a couple of months with not a lot to do. The Albany Potters group welcomed me into their world of clay, buckets and pots of glaze, an electric kiln and firing charts on the wall. I noted them all. The local library had 25 pottery books on the shelf. I read them all. In those few weeks I filled and fired the kiln then returned to my island home with clay with which to play.
The next year I bought a kiln, 13”x13”x13”, electric. Logistics became my problem. Island life is such that everybody knows and most want a go.!!! Keen to not let my hobby cost the family, I immediately started giving lessons. Six people for six weeks for $6 plus expenses per person. I was deeply indebted to my one time neighbour and life member of PSP, Jane Hall, for doing my shopping for me over 12 years!
Q. Which ceramic artists have inspired your pottery path?
A. Although I was largely self taught, Ian McCrae of Beaufort Pottery in Perth sailed into Flying Fish Cove and gave us a demonstration. I also attended workshops whenever I was in WA - notably by Bela Kotai whose altered forms and ambitious scale were impressive, and Robin Hopper whose use of slip really caught my interest.
Q. Do you have a favourite pottery technique?
A. Once living in Perth I joined the Perth Potters Club and enrolled at the Carine College of Tafe where I really enjoyed the wood firing and technology. Line blends and triaxials are my idea of good fun.
I have always been more interested in the how than quantity production and regard myself as Jill of all trades and Mistress of none. The fact is that I have enjoyed it all - what more could I want?