Little Tree Studio Ceramics Journal

I often refer to the handmade tableware I create as 'Ceramics for Life', and it is one of the reasons I like to photograph my work with food I create in our lovely kitchen in the heart of Canberra — a city I love dearly and call home.

This plant is tough and thrives on neglect, making it perfect for the forgetful plant owner. This hardy plant is able to survive for months without water and will grow well in low light and hates the direct sun.

Easy to care for the Pickle Plant is a low growing trailing succulent. This Delosperma produces bright yellow flowers and green fleshy leaves covered in fine white hairs giving this plant its unique appearance. The Pickle Plant likes the outdoors in a bright sunny position with dry conditions.

I love fermenting things which is why I make my own fermenting pots. Fermented foods are tasty and so good for you. If you're a mushroom fan, this adapted recipe I use from Milkwood in Australia is delicious. This simple recipe uses a ceramic fermenting pot - like the ones I make - and basic biological pickling method of lacto-fermentation, which relies on little more than salt, water and time. Easy and totally worth it!

It's been over 250 years since James Cook sailed into Botany Bay on the Endeavour, kicking off a series of events that resulted in the British arriving and staying uninvited first at Warrane (Sydney Cove) in 1788, and later at numerous locations across the continent.

Image: Legged Bowl by Alexander Thatcher. As artists, we always have our antennae up, ready to be inspired. When it comes to the work of other artists though, it can be a tricky tightrope to walk. It’s all too easy to love another artist’s work so much that it unwittingly or otherwise seeps into our own. Especially since, as artists, we’re curious and always want to be developing our skills and abilities.