Prue Venables

Porcelain maker

©Iris Fischer Prue Venables

The everyday in black and white

Prue combines fine porcelain work and silversmithing
Her work is inspired by the forms of everyday and intriguing objects
Craft for her facilitates lifelong exploration and learning

Prue Venables is a well-established maker of disciplined forms that reflect everyday objects, such as sieves, brushes and mirrors. She specialises in monochrome porcelain as well as fine silver. Prue begins her ceramic work on the wheel, but continues by hand to introduce new elements and occasional asymmetry. Her vessels are often oval in shape. Technical developments in the ceramic industry inform her work and much effort goes into making such simple forms. She helped found a gallery named Opus30, in the Victorian town of Castlemaine, which hosts classical music concerts alongside exhibitions of fine craftsmanship.

Interview

©Iris Fischer Prue Venables

©Iris Fischer Prue Venables

Is there something about your work that people do not know?: My work looks simple and possibly quick to make. It is extraordinarily difficult and slow to work in the way that I do. Every stage is fraught with challenge and difficulty but I do not mind this as I enjoy the process and it is exciting when something works well.
Was there a memorable moment in your professional life?: I once met Lucie Rie. She invited my friend Alison Britton and me to have morning coffee with her at her home. We were there for several hours and she showed us around her studio and spoke about her work and her life. She was so generous in her opinions and her work was sensational.
What do you love most about your profession?: I love the process of making, exploring materials and invention, reading about ideas and people's lives. I love hearing about the events and histories that have led to people becoming makers, musicians, actors, and choosing the wiggly life paths they feel compelled to follow.
What would be your advice to a young person wishing to become an artisan?: If you feel compelled to follow this path then in many ways you are very fortunate to have found something in life that you are passionate about. It will not always be an easy journey and be prepared for hard work but Never Give Up! This work will open so many doors for you, you will meet wonderful people and experience amazing things.

Prue Venables is a master artisan: she began her career in 1981 and she started teaching in 1988