Northern Illawarra Art Trail chair Edith McNally introduces Phill The Potter
Phill Davis, aka “Phill The Potter”, is a quirky character who became an art entrepreneur. He quotes Douglas Adams’ advice to travellers in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy to “carry a towel and “Don’t Panic” as useful advice for “would-be” ceramic artists as it can be messy, throws up many a conundrum, surprise and alarming experience, and almost always involves immersion in mud!
Phill’s journey began in 1976 when he was mysteriously seconded to the Riverina as an Art Consultant for primary school teachers. Not being an artist, it soon became obvious to him that he should do “something” within the field, so he enrolled part time in a Fine Arts Dip at Wagga CAE. It was here that he discovered a new world of ceramics and pottery.
In 1980 Phill and his wife, Val, started “Earth, Wind & Fire Pottery” in their Stanwell Tops backyard shed. They developed a range of kitchen and tableware using their own designs and stoneware glazes. Their business expanded into a dedicated factory space in Helensburgh, which allowed them to take on apprentices and trainees.
Phill and Val were thrilled to welcome and host many contemporary potters and ceramic artists, both to visit and work within their group. Working with other people allowed Phill the time to develop more individual pieces, participate in various exhibitions and see his award-winning work selected for collections here and overseas.
As usual, life evolved, the business was sold and a new backyard in Coalcliff became where the pots were made while Val ran three very successful retail outlets specialising in Australian Arts & Crafts.
Finally a move to Wombarra gave them a backyard studio with a terrific view of the ocean. Sadly perfection rarely lasts and Phill’s “bit of a health scare” put the pottery on hold for a few years until the indomitable “Phill the Potter” re-emerged in Coledale working from his underground garage/studio, producing a new range of works.
Contact Philldavis_98@yahoo.com. Phill also opens his studio on the Northern Illawarra Art Trail (NIAT) Open Studio weekends, the next being on November 18-19.
