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Simone Young, Simone's Ceramics
Terrey Hills, Australia
Email: simonesceramics@outlook.com
Artist Statement:
My name is Simone Young. I live in Sydney's Northern Beaches in Terrey Hills, Australia. I make thrown unique table ware heart shaped bowls. Hand built sculptural pieces and unique contemporary jewelry. Made with love the difference is in the detail.
Studio Description:
My studio is at my home in my laundry I throw and outside on my covered deck I decorate and hand build. I have a very big storage shed which I am grateful for. You can never have enough storage. My kiln is in my garage.
What type of clay do you use?
Porcelain and stoneware.
What temperature do you fire to?
Mainly cone 6 and sometimes cone 10.
What is your primary forming method?
Throwing.
What is your favorite surface treatment?
Glaze and underglaze.
Do you make any of your own tools?
Simple tombos for making ware the same size. I have a throwing knife which was made at TAFE (college) from an old bone handled knife from an op shop. My throwing mat is made from a chamois, wiggle wires from guitar strings and polymer beads.
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Unique.
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
It’s mainly outside.
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
My red mud tools kidney.
What are your top three studio wishes?
Slab roller, gas kiln, more space.
What’s on your current reading list?
Journal of Australian ceramic art & Perception John Britt.
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
eBay gum tree, buy, swap, sell, dig my own clay sometimes
How do you recharge creatively?
Bush walking my two dogs snorkeling surfing. Watching and reading about new techniques.
Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency?
Use a throwing mat or chamois to save time making a bat pad. Keep your tools organised.
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
As a full time Mum and carer finding time to create in the studio.
What did you first piece look like?
I made it at age 6, a pond with a frog and a tree complete with twigs and pebbles. Mum still has it it was not fired. I painted it and sealed it.
What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
Throw large, because I know I never will have the strength to throw any larger than 2 kilos not sure what that is in pounds?
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
I don’t currently have one but do a lot of reading and watching ceramics.
What is your studio playlist?
Anything from Fleetwood Mac, Cat Empire, Xavier Rudd, Paul Kelly, John Butler, Melody Gardot Love music.
Why do you create art?
I create art as I feel compelled to create it is my meditation, my savior, my relaxation, my every thing. I would die inside without it.
What is your best studio tip?
Get to the studio as often as you can.
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
No memory.
