FOSTER A POTTER PLACEMENTS 2027

FOSTER A POTTER is thrilled to announce two 2027 placements in which students will undertake a negotiated period of workshop-based training with experienced ceramicists and potters.

THE FOSTER A POTTER AWARD OF $10,000:
Jack Staley (student) to work with Rowley Drysdale (mentor); Cooroy, QLD

THE ANNE MOSSMAN GRANT OF $5,000:
Lauran Trevena (student) to work with Stephanie James-Manttan (mentor); Adelaide, SA.

FOSTER A POTTER received 7 applications. We thank the mentors and students who applied for placements, and we wish them all the very best in their ongoing pottery journeys.

We thank the FOSTER A POTTER (FOPO) panel – Stephen Bird, Barbara Campbell-Allen and Cathy Franzi – for their time spent considering the applications, and for sharing their thoughts with us.

SOME FEEDBACK FROM THE PANEL:
The strongest applications were ambitious and centred around the tacit knowledge that can be shared by working alongside a mentor in a studio context. They articulated a clear link between the learning goals of the students and the learning opportunities provided by the mentors. They also reflected the mentors’ extensive and varied experience and expertise in running a professional practice. FOSTER A POTTER’s selection procedure was fair and comprehensive. The panel considered applicants’ exhibition histories, industry experience, education and recent bodies of work. Most importantly, both mentors and students explained why they wanted to be part of this initiative and what they hoped to achieve from this collective experience.
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We are grateful for the generosity of both Rowley and Stephanie, and their willingness to share their extensive experience and knowledge with the next generation.

The Board would also like to thank all the people who have donated to FOSTER A POTTER with money, pots and/or time. We receive no government funding, so it is truly inspirational that, thanks to our wonderful community of ‘muddy friends’, these placements have been possible.

SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE PLACEMENT TEAMS:

Rowley Drysdale (mentor) and Jack Staley (student)
Studio: Quixotica, Cooroy (Kabi Kabi land), QLD
rowleydrysdale.com.au; Insta: jackstaley__
Jack says, “We plan to spend 3–4 days per week working together in the studio, 6–8 hours per day. Our conversations have given us a clear understanding of how we would like to work together, with a balance of shared making, demonstrations, discussion, skill development and independent work. I am excited by the opportunity to work with Rowley at Quixotica, [in] the special studio environment he has created. I want to learn through making alongside him, demonstrations, conversations and experimentation, while also developing my own work.”

Below: L: Rowley Drysdale; R: Jack Staley

Stephanie James-Manttan (mentor) & Lauran Trevena (student)
Studio: Adelaide (Kaurna land), SA
sjmceramics.net; lauranceramics.com.au
An architect based in Lake Macquarie, NSW, Lauran will travel to Adelaide for four intensive studio visits with Stephanie from April to December. She aims to refine her throwing, glaze development, surface decoration and kiln-firing skills while creating a cohesive range of functional wares. Throughout the project, Stephanie will provide ongoing mentorship by arranging visits to professional ceramic studios, exhibitions and significant ceramic collections. Lauran says, “These opportunities will broaden my understanding of contemporary ceramic practice and expose me to a variety of making techniques and professional approaches.”

Below: L: Stephanie James-Manttan; R: Lauran Trevena

We look forward to updating you about these two placements throughout 2027. Exciting times ahead!

Kind regards,
Vicki Grima, Susie McIntosh and Jean McMaster
Directors, FOSTER A POTTER
E: fosterapotter@gmail.com
fosterapotter.com.au

Image above: L to R: the work of Stephanie James-Manttan, Lauran Trevena, Rowley Drysdale and Jack Staley