Jackie Masters
Location
Boorloo/Perth, WA
About
Jackie Masters is a highly regarded ceramic artist whose work bridges tradition and innovation.
Drawing inspiration from the vivid colours, textures, and contrasts of the Australian landscape, her
pieces are recognized for their distinctive design and volcanic glazes. Her love of clay and its
transformative power resonates through each piece she creates.
Jackie's clay journey began over 25 years ago when she attended an evening pottery class at Perth
Studio Potters. This marked the start of a remarkable self-taught career driven by relentless
experimentation and a profound passion for ceramics. Today, she teaches classes at the same studio,
nurturing and inspiring a new generation of potters.
Working from her garden studio in Perth, Western Australia, Jackie high fires her work in an electric
kiln, emphasizing meticulous craftsmanship while embracing the unpredictable nature of the ceramic
process. Her innovative use of wild clays and experimental glazes reflects a deep respect for the
material's history and potential. Jackie’s work has been showcased in prominent exhibitions across
Australia and featured in the Journal of Australian Ceramics, underscoring her commitment to
excellence and engagement with the broader ceramics community.
Artist Statement
In this Artist Talk, I will present my unique approach to teaching ceramics, blending traditional
craftsmanship with contemporary innovation, and underscoring the importance of community and
wellbeing. My teaching philosophy not only encourages students to critically evaluate and refine
their work but to also appreciate the inherent beauty and joy of working with clay.
Key themes include:
Tradition and Innovation: I teach foundational techniques like wheel throwing, hand-building, and glazing, while encouraging students to adapt these skills for modern artistic expression and to find their unique voice.
Innovative Glazing Techniques: By simplifying glaze creation and modification, I empower students to experiment with vibrant, personalized results without requiring advanced chemistry knowledge.
Sustainability: I emphasize reducing waste, recycling materials, and to consider their environmental effects of using clay and glazes, integrating these principles into classroom.
Ceramics and Wellbeing: I explore the therapeutic benefits of working with clay, fostering open dialogue and collaboration to enhance mental health, fulfilment, and community connections.
Through this talk, I aim to inspire educators and artists to enrich ceramics education by integrating tradition, innovation, sustainability, and social impact, creating a more inclusive and meaningful learning experience.