Beginnings
From a young age, I have always made things—whether it was painting or drawing, creativity has been at the heart of my journey.
I was unconsciously influenced by the artistic scene of the time; the vibrant 1970s.
The artistic spirit of that era was steeped in raw, earthy tones, mixed media, and a deep appreciation for the craft of making. I remember a flourishing artistic community in the Perth Hills such as the Junipers, Gregsons and Haynes. I lived next door to Australian artist Jocelyn Gregson, who encouraged my passion for art, which further fueled my creative journey. My uncle Jock, a remarkable potter in England, would spin large lumps of clay into beautiful vessels—affectionately dubbed “Jock Pots.” I still cherish the first pot I made with him at the age of five.
I pursued my studies at Curtin University, initially majoring in ceramics. However, feeling frustrated with my skills, I transitioned to textiles. After graduating, I worked with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society, where I crafted and mended costumes. During the 1990s, I focused on creating decorative clothing, dolls, and toys, selling my creations at gift shops and market stalls. My mother ran a bookstore in Fremantle for decades, immersing me in the world of crafters and makers. Bannister St Workshop remains a highlight of my memories, representing a wonderful collective of artisans.
Ceramics: A Sweet Obsession
After years of teaching, raising a child, and managing a business, I met Susan Sowerby in Margaret River in 2009. Under her mentorship for eight years, I found the courage to pursue my art independently. In 2018, I co-founded The Hive Art Collective with four other artists. This Not-For-Profit initiative helped numerous artists collaborate, create, exhibit, and run workshops, allowing me to take my art career more seriously.
The Here and Now
Today, I work from my home studio CLAY creating hand-built ceramic sculptures and offering ceramics classes. My work often reflects themes from the natural world, mythology, and science fiction. I find inspiration in the Arts and Crafts movement of the nineteenth century and am captivated by the flowing, organic lines of Art Nouveau. Living in the South West region of Western Australia for the past twenty-five years, I draw endless inspiration from nature, striving to recreate its textures and colors.
I’m currently developing my own range of glazes, as commercial options can be limiting.
Some of my favorite ceramic artists include Susan Sowerby, Pippin Drysdale, Ian Dowling, Fleur Schell, Dr. John Yu, and Ah Xian.
Caro Bannister Art 