Introducing Kylee from Kylee Renai Pottery. Where every item is handmade!! From her home in North Queensland, Kylee lovingly makes every single piece, using traditional hand building techniques.
Find out why Kylee started creating and why she is so passionate about the value of handmade.
Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.
I create one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces, with focus on functional items that are useful as well as pretty. I will occasionally throw on the wheel but I usually work with hand building techniques - pinch pots, slab work (the slab roller is my best friend!) & coils.
I enjoy incising images into my work, such as my 'Harry' Wedge-Tailed Eagle Plates. These are then washed with an iron oxide wash before clear glazing. I also do a lot of pieces in my favourite Turquoise glaze that we make ourselves at our local pottery club.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.
I have always enjoyed creative outlets. In my teen years I would sit in my room for hours drawing, I always thought I would end up in a creative role. But In my 20's life was busy and I stopped taking that time for myself. Then in my late 30's as a single Mum I started creating just for me and it felt good!
When MadeIt approached me to consider becoming part of the community I had major impostor syndrome, but I'm so glad I did. I'm proud to be a handmade artist within a beautiful community.
What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?
I often don't know what I'm creating until the clay is in my hands!
Having said that I'm currently working on a nostalgic collection of pieces that are inspired by my favourite iconic Aussie childhood foods!
Where did you learn your craft?
Back in 2020 I attended a one day wheel throwing course with a couple of girlfriends on the South Coast of NSW. I loved it and went on to complete a 6 week course with Soul Clay Studios in Gerringong NSW. I found it meditative, I enjoyed learning a new skill just for me.
When I relocated to North Queensland one of the first things I did was join the local pottery club - The Burdekin Potters. I have continued to learn so much from fellow members there. I'm constantly learning, with ceramics your imagination is the limit - so there will always be something to learn.
Why is handmade artistry so important to you?
I like things with soul and a story. Mass produced items may look perfect, but there is no story or life there. Holding something in your hands you know another human has created from their hands, is a form of connection that just doesn't exist with mass produced items. I love picturing the artist in their studio creating this piece of art I'm holding, it's special.
Kylee is a much loved member of the MadeIt Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ The Handmade Marketplace of Australia ~ and sharing their new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with Kylee Renai Pottery, make sure you join our FB Group and say hi !
