I have been involved in ceramics for many years. As a teenager I admired a potter at a market and made a pact with myself that I would take it up one day. I took the plunge at 27 years old 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. Realising how hard it would be I was determined to succeed and years later graduated with a Diploma of Fine Arts (Ceramics). I was so determined to succeed, I also studied a Bachelor of Education and Training and worked full-time, at the same time, studying on nights and weekends.
I have always been attracted to Asian design, its 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 is my preferred method of finishing work.
I have the opportunity to teach adults and children every week and share in their joy and creativity, am a member of the Australian Ceramics Association and Treefern Potters in Ferntree Gully in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne. I’m totally addicted to clay and am literally immersed elbow-deep in clay most of the week.
I also thoroughly enjoy speaking to groups about my work, how it’s been made and achieved and sharing the tales of my several trips to China’s porcelain capital, Jingdezhen, what I’ve learned and taught there and how it has all impacted my work and my teaching. I look forward to sharing my stories with you.
Enjoy browsing my gallery of work. All items are for sale or may have been sold. For expressions of interest in any item or to book 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.
