February 20, 2015
CERAMICIST TARA BURKE
“For me, the right path is the path you enjoy,” says ceramicist Tara Burke. So when it came to her career, she says there was never any doubt. Ceramics are delightful, Tara says. “I love the intersection of beauty and functionality - the way ceramics allow people to incorporate beautiful handmade objects into their daily routines - whether it be a morning coffee in a handmade cup, afternoon slice on a beautiful plate, or a little vase to pop a flower from the garden into.” She also finds making ceramics therapeutic. “Whether I’m throwing a bowl or pinching a vase, it gives me an opportunity to zone out of the world and into the object for a time.” Tara grew up in Melbourne but moved to Sydney, where she is currently based, and studied ceramics at the Sydney College of the Arts. Her works are available through Saint Cloche gallery in Sydney, and she will have some pieces at Bokeh Gallery in Daylesford from March. Her work can be viewed via her Instagram feed @taracarbonara
Which five words best describe you? Messy, unorganised, enthusiastic, driven and clumsy.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? My career is only really in its infancy. I first got a feel for ceramics when I took throwing lessons in Melbourne, which progressed into formal study at Sydney College of the Arts. Making ceramics has always been somewhat of a private affair, and almost always ended with me giving away all of my pieces. Showing and selling my work is very much new territory for me.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Don’t glaze in a hurry, or when you’re hungry.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Given my career is only just beginning, all of my achievements have been the proudest ones.
What’s been your best decision? Dragging myself off the trusty wheel and learning to hand build.
Who inspires you? Kind people.
What are you passionate about? Learning, being kind to others, and cake.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Jon Stewart so I could beg him not to leave The Daily Show!
What dream do you still want to fulfil? All the dreams.
What are you reading? I just finished reading The God of Small Things by Arundati Roy.
images courtesy of tara burke