Chris Lewis

Potter / Photographer

In 1980 Chris began a pottery course at the local high school. Previously his experience in the arts was in reproduction via the screen-printing industry in England. His pottery tutor was the late Pieter Bolten, an accomplished sculptor.

Chris found at the very outset he felt completely at home with clay and its processes. He began by firing an updraft wood- fired brick kiln, built at the bottom of the garden. The updraft kiln was then replaced by a catenary arched down draft kiln also fired by wood. This kiln is still operational today. Several years ago, Chris built a gas-fired kiln and is now able, after much experimentation, to produce the copper red reduced glazes for which he has always had a passion to produce.

In the last two years Chris has been able to devote more time to his craft .He is moving away from domestic ware (although he still makes several lines) to more sculptural individual artworks. He enjoys the hands on approach needed for wood firing as he feels that this method involves him totally in the whole process of producing clay art works.

His workshop is located in a small township steeped in gold mining history, the bush and the river at his doorstep. These surroundings, in many ways, make up for the isolation sometimes felt. Chris feels privileged to be able to work in this environment, creating works that give pleasure, and could last for thousands of years and not harm the environment.

Chris found at the very outset he felt completely at home with clay and its processes.