Deanna Roberts
Dip.Arts (Ceramics), B. Ed & Training
ceramic artist . apron artisan . photographer
As a teenager I admired a potter at a market and made a pact with myself that I would take up pottery one day. I took the plunge at age 27 and began to experiment with various designs, methods, techniques, skills and decoration and have been inspired by many potters who have come before me.
Starting with a short course for 8 weeks in 1991, I made my first small bowl on the wheel. Eight years later, and while working full-time as a corporate trainer, I graduated with a Diploma of Fine Arts (Ceramics) and a Bachelor of Education and Training.
Growing up on Nauru Island and unknowingly influenced by the various Pacific Island designs and artworks, the Asian culture and European residents, a mixture of designs began to appear in my work. I found the Asian designs particularly attractive, especially their sharp edges, concise forms, ‘disciplined’ appearance and am drawn to creating bold statements when producing work, whether thrown on the wheel or handbuilt. Adding embellishments, carving and decorating work, coupled with dark, bold glazes or bright white glazes on porcelain and stoneware clays are my preferred methods of finishing work.
I have been privileged to work with one of the most progressive Councils in Victoria, Australia; Knox Council, having had the opportunity to teach adults and children for a number of years. It has been a pleasure to share in their joy and creativity, their inspirations and their dreams whilst also being a member of the Australian Ceramics Association and Treefern Potters. I’m totally addicted to clay and am literally immersed elbow-deep in clay most of the week.
Speaking to groups about my work and its origins, as an artist-in-residence, lecturing and working with university students at Jingdezhen Ceramics Institute in China, teaching children and adults and conducting various workshops has taught me more than anything. Jingdezhen, China’s porcelain capital, has provided me with several opportunities as a resident artist in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and to also learn from the great masters, plus the bonus opportunity to shop for some amazing and unique tools! I look forward to sharing my stories with you.
When Covid-19 came into play in 2019, my classes ceased as did contact with students. As an alternative to teaching, I utilised my sewing skills and began to sell split-leg aprons online, having sold a few to students. What started as just an idea has now become a major part of my creative pursuits and as each one is unique, the joy in making continues. The aprons complement my artwork and hundreds have been sold to potters, ceramic artists, dog groomers, makeup artists, hairdressers, painters and so on. As an artist, I’d like to think that the aprons are an artwork in themselves. The apron will choose you…just like artwork does.
Enjoy browsing my Gallery of ceramic works, which is by no means complete. New pieces are being created all the time and many have been sold. As every ceramic item is unique, no item is made to order and offered as is, full of expression, creativity and imagination for the you to enjoy and discover yourself.
To book me, Deanna Roberts, as a speaker for your next event, please get in touch via the Contact page.
Here is a list of my previous achievements.
