Brenda Middleton - Ceramist

Brenda’s Pottery experience began when she moved to Mt Isa Queensland in 1986. Learning pottery at Mt Isa Potters Group. Had building with clay then learning to throw on the wheel. Pots were fired in large gas kilns.
Wood firings and Pit firings were a group effort, going bush to collect fallen Gidgee Gum branches to fuel the firings. A visit from Jeff Mincham and building a Raku kiln opened new ideas.
Moving to Mackay in 1990 and joining Pioneer Potters, she was influenced by local Potter Rick Woods, throwing large two-part vessels on the wheel, and continuing her hand building making small boxes.
1992 saw a move to Yeppoon and Beach Potters, here there were opportunities to do more Raku and Salt Kiln firings. On leaving Yeppoon Brenda was given a small Raku Kiln which she used in Brisbane for many years demonstrating the Raku method of firing.
The School of Flying Arts gave the opportunity for workshops with renowned Australian Potters. Brenda’s work at this time was wheel thrown domestic ware.
In 1994 the family moved to Brisbane and Brenda joined the Old Schoolhouse Gallery. Exhibiting with the gallery and firing the Raku kiln on gallery open days.
2012 saw a break from pottery to help in the family business travelling the world, always finding time to seek out Pottery in every country.
Brenda joined Straddievarious Gallery in 2020. After purchasing a small electric kiln, her work now is both hand building and wheel thrown. Hand building has always been her first love, so boxes often appear in the gallery.
Currently Brenda draws inspiration from the Redlands Coastline in her Whales, Birds and Fish designs.