Judy and Ric Pierce have
been making studio ceramics for over
30 years with their
output being their sole means of income for the last 27.
Judy and Ric Pierce have
been making studio ceramics for over
30 years with their
output being their sole means of income for the last 27.
Judy has trained in visual arts obtaining a post graduate diploma from Monash University, while Ric trained in engineering (Mechanical – Sydney Uni and Industrial – Masters at NSW Uni) Together they have successfully built a wide network of retail outlets across Australia for their range of domestic and tableware.
They predominantly use very fine white stoneware clay because of its durability in use and it excellent colour response from the kiln. Tiny bowls to vases and huge jars, plates and dishes for food presentation, dinner sets of various shapes and colours, with sushi and pasta sets are an indication of the extensive range.
Colour is the primary focus after the basic function is fulfilled. They enjoy bright colours that stoneware temperatures can produce with care and glaze over glaze is the favoured decoration method creating subtle hints of the surrounding landscapes. A full range is available from the Potters Shop, Beechworth.
Both Judy and Ric produce individual work along side of the standard range and this is gradually becoming more important. Having completed the "apprenticeship" they are able to create more artistic pieces now where communication is more important than function. These pieces are available through the Potters Gallery, Beechworth (upstairs in the Potters Shop).
This is how we do it. It suits us, Ric and Judy Pierce. We have made our living making pots for over 20 years, educating 3 kids (now adults) and living a typically affluent Australian lifestyle. It is not the only way of doing it, it works for us. We live, work and play pots and love this existence and all that it entails. We are continually surrounded with clay, pots, machines, books and paper and bureaucracy. Our house is always dusty and yard roughly maintained. We live and work on a 4 acre block in Beechworth, NE Victoria, making both functional and decorative pots. We sell more than 75% of our output from our own retail outlet off-site in the Beechworth retail area. We are not the best potters ever invented nor the best marketeers. What we are good at is trying lots of ideas. We have probably made more bad decisions than most people but we have also made many good ones along the way. A bad decision is a learning opportunity. A good decision is a success.
 | It’s business |
| It’s art |
| Remember which pots are money earners (wages) and which are artistic wonders (personal expression) |
| 10 am is coffee time, real coffee that is |
| Invest in the business that you can trust above all others |
Revised: 08 Jul 2008