Trudy Barclay
I am a clay worker and a sculptor and I gain most of my inspiration for my work from the patterns, colours and rhythms of the beautiful bush, sand and sea environment around my home in Inverloch. Recent works have been decorated with impressions of leaves and seed pods from the area, and objects from the sea including seaweeds. I also have an interest in sculpture, particularly the female form.
I was a late starter in the world of art and became "hooked" on clay after enrolling in pottery classes after I took early retirement from the Education Department. I had spent many years in the commercial world and then teaching Secretarial Studies in Secondary/ Technical Schools and the TAFE. After numerous short courses in pottery I studied for the Diploma of Arts at Holmesglen College of TAFE which further whetted my appetite for art. These studies were discontinued after four yeas part time when my husband and I had our "sea-change" and moved house from Melbourne to Inverloch. I now belong to several art groups and have the opportunity to exhibit my work and to exchange ideas and enjoy social interaction with other potters and artists.
I have dabbled in most aspects of clay work, starting with thrown tableware and now tending towards hand built vessels and sculpture. I love the fact that I am creating something useful or beautiful ( hopefully ) and with luck the article can last for decades or even centuries.
