my absolute favourite time is that rare moment
when all the loose ends are tied up"
Sophie has been working with clay for about eight years now. After studying ceramics at Box Hill TAFE Sophie established a ceramic art and homewares store called Ripe in Northcote. For the past five years she has taught ceramics at a few different institutions, currently CAE and Northcote Pottery. Her studio for the past two years has been located at Northcote Pottery where she make work for wholesale to a steadily growing list of designer homeware stores and galleries.
Q: What do you make?
I create ornamental vessels and functional tableware. All my work is hand thrown in porcelain.
Q: What are your influences?
Everything – nature, literature, paintings, textiles, music….
Q: What is your working environment like?
Fantastic. I currently have a studio at Northcote Pottery which I share with another ceramic artist. I have the benefits of immediate feedback, easily accessible pottery supplies and endless technical know-how.
Q: Which part of the making process do you enjoy most?
I love it all but my absolute favourite time is that rare moment when all the loose ends are tied up, the banking is done, the orders delivered, the kiln shelves are cleaned and finally I can sit down at the wheel with the rest of the day ahead of me and a pile of wedged clay in front of me and begin…
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you have encountered in your work?
Finding the time to do all the things I want to do and when I realise that’s not possible – prioritising!
Q: Can you survive on your craft, or do you rely on other income?
I also teach ceramics.
Q: Is there a particular book that has been significant to your work?
A boyfriend gave me John Berger’s Ways Of Seeing when I was about 17. A very patronizing attempt to broaden my mind but fairly instrumental in defining my future direction.
Q: Have there been major turning points in your career as an artist?
The year after I finished my studies I established a shop/studio making and selling work and running classes which was an incredible learning experience in regard to the business side of things. Then after taking time out to have a child I really needed to re-launch my career and I found the creative focus of my work was entirely redirected. At the moment I feel like every week brings some kind of turning point.
Q: What have you learned as a businessperson/artist over the years?
Wow – big question. Can I just say lots?
Q: Do you see any challenges specific to potters/ceramics artists?
I think Australian ceramicists have a major challenge in being recognised as fine artists.
Q: How has the Internet affected your business?
I’m just in the process of establishing my website so the only way it’s affecting my business at the moment is to take time away from making!
Q: Where do you sell/exhibit your work?
Craft Victoria – Melbourne, Luft – Nth Fitzroy, Vast – Sth Melbourne, Design Refinery – Collingwood
Jam Factory – Adelaide
Q: What would you like to be doing in 10 years time?
Still creating. Perhaps spending more time on one off pieces and exhibitions. And travelling.
Sophie Milne
Email: sophiemilne@bigpond.com
Mobile: 0417 301 390
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