Ted Secombe – Master Potter
Self-taught potter, Ted Secombe is one of Australia’s most interesting artists, creating fantastic pots that decorate numerous houses and commercial properties including Melbourne’s Crown Casino and other large hotels throughout Australia and Asia.
Technique
The process of creating the large pots starts on the potter’s wheel, where the clay is thrown. The piece is shaped and dried with the aid of a flame which tightens the body of the piece ensuring that it is completely dry. There is an initial firing in the kiln after the drying period. The pot is then trimmed of excess clay which is followed by a bisque firing making the piece a semi-vitreous body but still porous enough to accept a glaze. Ted uses glazes that are mixed with raw materials such as contaminated glass. The glaze is then transformed in the kiln coming out with completely different colours to those that went into the kiln. After years of potting, Ted still gets a thrill from opening a kiln to see the final product. Like a child he peeks through the spy holes while the piece is still cooling. The biggest piece Ted has ever made was just over 200kg (440lb). He says that the successful making of a large pot requires 50% technique and 50% strength.
Further information
The pots are available for sale from The Valley Gallery, 305 Steeles Creek Road, Yarra Glenn, VIC, 3775. Phone: (03) 9730 1822 or fax: (03) 9730 2019. Email: [email protected]
Pots range in price from $80 for a small size vase about 15cm (6″) to large scale pots $1200-$2500. The Valley Gallery is attached to the Valley Guest House which is a country retreat with three luxury suites.
Tariff: $120 per night midweek, $150 per night Friday and Saturday nights and $270 for a weekend package.