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Your story of collecting bricks from a local beach on Dharawal Country that are carried to the shoreline by creeks from a long-closed brickworks is fascinating. Can you tell us more about this process and what you look for?

At first I was attracted to the rich red of sea tossed terracotta which is all over our Illawarra beaches. Roof tiles were brought from Sydney on ships as ballast to be swapped for coal up until the 1970’s. As I looked closer, this then expanded into finding bricks in various states of erosion, I’m pretty good at spotting them now. Some are so beautiful and so resonant as a material.  It has taken me a long time to work out how best to interact with them. The finding of the bricks is my favourite part of the process!

How do you go about developing ideas to compliment the found object with your ceramic work?

Initially I made so many elements, lots of intricate pieces that seemed to compete with the found objects.After much frustration I realised that I needed to simplify my palette and forms and lean into the quiet statureof the sea tumbled items. I am pretty keen to work colour back into the sculptures in the future though.

What is the most challenging part of your artistic process and how do you overcome this?

I find the slowness of the ceramic process frustrating at times. I always try to have a full kiln when I fire so it can take a month or two between having an idea and seeing it realised. This can stifle spontaneity which is how I like to work. To combat this I always try to have a few experiments in every firing and to not plan the end work too much.

Tell us about a typical day in your studio (what would we find on your studio playlist?) and your beautiful surroundings. What motivates you to create the artworks?

The dog and I typically go brick hunting at the beach in the mid morning and then I head over to the studio in the back yard after lunch. I often listen to podcasts or audio books or I crank the electronic music and dance while I work! I like to set myself problems to solve and whether that’s material or conceptual constraints, I find this keeps me engaged and turning up to the studio. I have to cross two creeks to get there and sometimes have to dodge eels and water dragons.

Can you tell us about your journey and influences as an artist and how you began exploring sculpture? 

After studying printmaking at art school many years ago, I pivoted into graphic and web design which is where I’ve spent a lot of time developing my eye, knowledge of colour and negative space. About 20 years ago I was introduced to clay and became instantly smitten. I wasn’t very good for a long time but I didn’t care, it was so fun and I met so many great people! Finally, I decided to make more of a go of it and in 2023 undertook a Masters of Fine Art in Ceramics at the National Art School in Sydney. Those two years reawakened my interest in non functional work and realising ideas that are more on the conceptual side.

What artists inspire you in your practice and why?

A lot of my fellow artists inspire me. The way they turn up day after day and create even when its really hard to make a living out of it. I often turn to other areas for inspiration like fashion, illustration or design and of course nature! But my primary place for inspiration is leaning into things I’ve made that excite me and pulling on those threads a bit more.

Can you talk about your experience in the Masters program at NAS and how that has shaped your practice? 

I really loved all the professional artists that were there to spend time with me, to guide and talk about my work and ideas. I also loved getting to know the other students, sitting around after class talking all things art! Its such a privilege to be able to dedicate 2 years to making a fully realised body of work. Writing a 10.000 word paper on what I was making was tough but it showed me that research can be a really useful tool and add a depth to the work.

What is next for you? Do you have any exciting projects you would like to share with us?

After having two solo exhibitions this year, I am happy to slow down a little. I’m in a student/teacher exhibition with Julie Bartholomew (who taught me at Gymea TAFE) and some other potential group shows. As for my work I want to make some bigger sculptures (just to see if I can) and after letting the bricks take the lead in my work, I’m interested to see if I can bend the bricks to my will - think colour, goopy glaze and a bit more play. But don’t hold me to that - I reserve the right to change my mind!

Can you share a fun fact about you?

‘Chrystie’ is an old family surname which I was given when there was no male in the family to hand it down to. I went to Chrystie Street in NYC and there was even a cool Chrystie skate brand from that street. I thought it’d be funny to buy their jumpers for both my boys (who like skating) but the kids weren’t keen to have their mum’s name emblazoned across their chest (can’t imagine why!!).