Teacher Sonya Sharpe was kicking off the first class of the new year for beginners and veterans in clay who were fully invested in the moment. New student Maria Marras was learning how to make her clay malleable by pounding and rolling it with guidance from Sonja. 

Beside her was Rod Clark, who lost the use of his right arm after a stroke many years ago, but has mastered the art of wheel-throwing one-handed. Rod has been throwing for 29 years.

He threw an irrepressible grin over his shoulder as he controlled the wet, spinning lump of clay. 

“Love wheel,” he said. 

Tim Salmon is another student who has worked with clay for over 20 years. 

He was busy modelling a miniature face. He said he had a preference in the studio.

“Hand building mainly, but I make food bowls,” he said.

Sonja has been teaching the ceramics courses for about six years in Inverell, and formerly had a working pottery in WA. She said she takes students with no clay experience at all and will take them where they want to go.

“The sky’s the limit, really,” she said.

“You’re only limited by your own thoughts, because you can do anything you want with clay.”

Sonja is offering a course on Tuesdays in all disciplines two evening courses in ceramics with one night of throwing and another of hand building. No experience is required and materials are provided.