Deanna Roberts

Dip.Arts (Ceramics), B. Ed & Training

ceramic artist . apron artisan . photographer

As a teenager Deanna visited an outdoor market and admired a potter working on the wheel and made a pact with herself that she would take up pottery one day. Deanna took the plunge in her twenties and began to experiment with various designs, methods, techniques, skills and decoration and has been inspired by many potters who came before her.

Starting with a TAFE short course in the early 1990’s, Deanna made her first small bowl on the wheel and was determined to throw larger bottles and vessels. Eight years later, and while working full-time as a corporate trainer, Deanna graduated with a Diploma of Fine Arts (Ceramics) and a Bachelor of Education and Training from Melbourne University.

Growing up on Nauru Island and surrounded by the various Pacific Islanders’ designs and artworks, the Asian culture and European residents, a mixture of designs began to influence Deanna’s work. She found the Asian designs particularly attractive, especially their sharp edges and lines, concise forms and disciplined appearance. Deanna is drawn to creating bold statements when producing work, whether thrown on the wheel or hand-built. Adding embellishments, carving and decorating work, coupled with dark, bold glazes or bright white glazes on porcelain and stoneware clays are Deanna’s preferred methods of finishing work. Deanna has spoken to many groups about her work and its origins, and has been an artist-in-residence on several occasions9, lecturing and working with university students at Jingdezhen Ceramics Institute in China, it’s porcelain capital.

Deanna has 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 several years. It was 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 local pottery groups and participating in several exhibitions. Deanna is totally addicted to clay and creating new ideas and concepts – all with the intention of paying it forward and encouraging others to do the same.

When Covid-19 came into play in 2019, classes ceased as did contact with students and as an alternative to teaching and public speaking, Deanna created her own design of split-leg apron designs online, having sold a few to students. What started as just an idea became complementary to her ceramic pursuits and hundreds of one-off aprons have been sold to potters, ceramic artists, dog groomers, makeup artists, hairdressers, painters, gardeners and numerous other trades. These aprons are an artwork in themselves and just like any artwork, will choose you.

As every ceramic item is unique, so is its maker. This Glaze Tests Journal gives you, the artist and creator, the opportunity to record your unique blend of materials, expression and imagination. Discover yourself. Art is made to be shared.

To book Deanna Roberts as a speaker for your next event, please get in touch via the Contact page.