Sydney Ceramics Market 2024

Arts & Culture

25 Sept

Written By Hande Renshaw

Back for its third year this October, Sydney Ceramics Market 2024 will feature more than 120 ceramicists from across NSW and ACT as a major event of Sydney Craft Week at Carriageworks, Sydney.

Words: Hande Renshaw

Vessels by Tegan Emerson. *Photo:* *Kelly Thompson*. *Main hero photo:* *Samee Lapham*

Sydney Ceramics Market founders founders and friends Melody Brunton, the ceramicist behind Emi Ceramics, and Samee Lapham, a photographer and content producer.

Ceramic vase by Susan Buret. *Photo:* *Samee Lapham*

'Sydney Ceramics Market provides the perfect opportunity to connect with the artist, experience their creations in person, feel the texture and weight of the pieces, and appreciate the artistry up close,' says *Samee Lapham*

'There’s also something deeply personal about owning a locally handcrafted piece of pottery. All art is created in a geographical context, and the locality often leaves its mark on the work.' *Photo:* *Samee Lapham*

Back in mid 2022, Sydney Ceramics Market founders and friends Melody Brunton, the ceramicist behind Emi Ceramics, and Samee Lapham, a photographer and content producer, were visiting a ceramics open studio event in Marrickville when the inspiration struck to create an event of their own to celebrate the local ceramics community.

In November of the same year, the duo’s inaugural Sydney Ceramics Market was held at Tramsheds, in Forest Lodge; a mere 3 months after the idea was realised! ‘We had 36 stalls, many of whom will have stalls at this year's event, and opened the doors to a teeming crowd of ceramic lovers—it was incredible to see such a humble craft that we adore be so well received by Sydneysiders who seemed to have a real appetite for what we presented,’ shares Samee.

Sydney Ceramics Market gives us the opportunity to purchase straight from the maker, hearing about their process and inspiration, experiencing their creations in person, and feeling the texture and weight of the pieces—an experience that creates a deeply personal experience and connection to a locally handcrafted piece of pottery.

‘All art is created in a geographical context, and the locality often leaves its mark on the work. This makes ceramics from NSW distinct from those of other states and territories, for example, giving these handmade objects a sense of place and connection to the maker,’ says Melody. ‘Clay holds memory; every piece has its own story, imbued with traces of its creator, making it a truly unique addition to any space,’ she adds.

As independent business owners themselves, Melody and Samee are incredibly passionate about supporting local makers and nurturing their talent. ‘We both value community and the unique energy it brings to any craft or professional pursuit. There’s a sense of support and understanding when you’re surrounded by people who share your creative journey, and this fosters incredible connections and creativity,’ Samee says.

This year’s event will be hosted in a larger space over two days at the historic Carriageworks in Eveleigh, taking place from Saturday 19th to Sunday 20th October.

‘This time we will be in a larger space and over a whole weekend. We’ll be in Bays 22–24, which is 4x the size (four times!) of our previous space at Carriageworks—the team have been really accommodating in helping us make the patron experience even better this year,’ says Melody. The larger space will allow for the inclusion of more makers and also more visitors, with wider aisles, as well as a selection of food stalls. ‘You can really make a day of it and spend the time discovering new makers and acquiring their work,’ she adds.

There will be many new makers included in this year’s market, with many working on new and exclusive ranges that will be created for the event. ‘It’s so rewarding to get to celebrate their creativity and give them a platform for more people to collect locally made ceramics; we’re also looking forward to simply pulling off our largest event yet, because 2025 is already on the horizon!’ says Samee.

The Sydney Ceramics Market 2024 will take place from Saturday 19th to Sunday 20th October at Carriageworks in Eveleigh on Gadigal Land. Tickets are available for purchase online here.

Groovy Bird detail by Catbirddog Ceramics. *Photo:* *Ginny Lagos*

Ceramics by Everything Flows Studio. *Photo: Jacky Lo*

Teapot in Oxide Wash by Emi Ceramics. *Photo:* *Samee Lapham*

Ceramics by Shellie Christia Ceramics. *Photo:* *Ange Maloney*

'Clay holds memory; every piece has its own story, imbued with traces of its creator, making it a truly unique addition to any space,' says Melody Brunton. *Photo:* *Samee Lapham*

Hande Renshaw

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