the day usually begins and ends here
As an artist the hours are long, but as that old cliche goes, the work is not hard when you do something you love.
From his modest home studio, in Geelong Australia, Darren creates beautiful one off pieces, each proudly displayed as an artwork.
Whether it be a picnic plate or a pinchpot, a beautiful hand thrown ceramic bowl or sink, you will be mesmerised by the authenticity of the form.
Every handcrafted piece sings a different song, has been individually crafted and is ready to find a place to share its beauty.
join us on our journey
Follow us on the next leg of this creative journey.
While continuing to teach pottery classes to a small collective of keen students, business is expanding in all directions.
2018 sees these changes take place as StudioMade breaks out of the backyard studio to engage with the world and fellow creatives. These are dynamically changing times giving rise to the artisan and the cultural imperative of creativity.
Our new dedicated creative education space aims to allow others to get on board and join us. StudioMade will continue to offer small, boutique classes that will encompass the pottery wheel, handbuilding with clay, glazing and decorating techniques. In addition there will be more space and time for specialty classes as well as ongoing Taster Classes throughout the year.
beautiful pieces for the home
In this world of busy the time of the maker is now…..the restoration, recognition and an appreciation for the handmade and individually crafted is being reckoned with in our time.
Taking a wander through the shop you will find collections from dinnerware to kitchen utilitarian items,
sculptures to light fittings and kitchen sinks all individually marked by the hand of the maker.
While ceramics are a featured product, Darrens skills are not limited to working with clay.
As time allows further creative collections will be added.
Pottery Classes designed for you
Continuing on in 2018, Studiomade by Darren McGinn will continue to offer small, boutique pottery classes and short courses in Geelong that will encompass the potters wheel, handbuilding with clay, glazing and decorating techniques. In addition there will be more space and time for specialty ceramics classes and short courses as well as ongoing Taster Classes throughout the year. Classes are designed to cater for beginners to the more skilled potters., everyone will enjoy learning in the studio where everyone’s skill level is considered. The studio is warm and friendly – the focus is on developing your personal pottery practice in a fun, social setting. Due to the boutique small class size there is loads of time for 1:1 tuition.
Sign up and make your interest known to us if you wish to have fun learning pottery here at our boutique studio. You will enjoy learning pottery with others – the aged old practice of working with clay on the potters wheel- and hand building to create timeless ceramic pieces to take home from this fun learning environment.
Pottery courses at StudioMade are designed for all skill levels. Are you looking for a potters wheel course to further ‘hone’your skills , or are you wishing to experience handbuilding with clay as a sculptural form, or like many of our students are you exploring ceramics for the first time? It really doesnt matter, you will find your place here – StudioMade offers a relaxed space to explore your personal style and increase your pottery skills to the next level.
Taster classes are also available. During these one off pottery wheel classes Darren will demonstrate the basics of throwing clay on the pottery wheel, beginning with clay preparation, centering clay, through to making your first clay pot. These are hands on sessions where you will get your hands dirty and enjoy a unique clay experience.
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StudioMade Coffee and Gallery
Our small cafe offering boutique coffee, cake -smith cakes and french patisserie hand made sourdough croissants – all locally sourced – is now up and running. Our coffee roast choice is also local, aptly named Coffee Snobs delivered by our man Andy on a weekly basis, so its fresh off the press every time. Our milk is the best going around in town – from Schulz organic dairy located in nearby Timboon. If you’re not a coffee snob, we also do a mean chai, have a good choice of teas, house brewed kombucha and cold drinks too.
Attached to the studio and also operating as a small gallery – you can purchase off the shelf or talk to Darren and discuss your custom made project. We’re currently doing some pretty cool stuff with very passionate people in their own creative fields – lighting designers, chefs and interior designers.
We reckon we’re Newtown’s best kept secret among the locals and our students. Come on down and check us out. Parking is abundant – the Barwon River is a sneeky 3 minute walk away if you need to walk off that buttery croissant, or bring in your walking, running or rowing group for a light refreshment.
Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 9-3.
