My name is Cathy Hicks
and I work from my
Blackbird Ceramics studio
in Blackheath.
Over the past 30 years, I have developed my ceramics practice through lessons and workshops with individual potters in both Australia and overseas, as well as short courses at TAFE NSW.
I work mainly in the midfire range, and have found Keanes clays to be the most reliable in terms of colour, consistency and firing temperatures. Mid-Fire Lumina is a wonderfully smooth and buttery clay to work with, and its texture and sheen at Cone 5/6 means that I often don’t choose to glaze the outside of my pots.
The new Red Earth clay has been an exciting find: I love the deep red pungency of the fired product, and its combination with various glaze options is still a source of experimentation and development.
The generosity and containment of the bowl shape is a particular pleasure for me:
I believe strongly that nourishment and sustenance are enhanced when food is served in bowls made with the same care and attention as the meal itself.
In fact, the experience of using the things I’ve made – whether that’s the jam on my toast, or the vase that holds my roses – is a source of great warmth and satisfaction.
Life slows down to a peaceful pace when I’m making stuff.
13th - 27th September 2025
Willoughby Arts Centre, 33 Laurel Street, willoughby nsw
Finalist in the 2025 Ewart Art Prize
The Ewart Art Prize is a non-acquisitive art prize and exhibition held by the Willoughby Arts Centre.
Ewart Art prize
18th – 19th October 2025
Carriageworks, Sydney, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015, Gadigal Land
This year’s curated exhibition area will feature 30 emerging Sydney ceramic artists, presented at the main entrance to the event — showcasing a breadth of perspective, technique and style in contemporary ceramics in Australia.
SYDNEY CERAMICS MARKET
SATURDAY 1st november 2025, 11am -3pm
Australian Design Centre, 101/115 William St, Darlinghurst NSW
Throughout 2025 ADC presents a regular Maker Marketplace at the Centre in Darlinghurst on selected Saturdays.
The Maker Marketplace series will kick off with a special market with 14 exceptional artists working in ceramics, jewellery, textiles, woodwork, and glass.
See the exhibitions, browse Object shop and meet and purchase new works from local artists
1st November : Blackbird Ceramics + Zoë Alexandria Jewellery
adc maker marketplace
Saturday 15th november 10am - 4pm
wentworth falls school of fine arts
great western highway, wentworth falls
The Blue Mountains Clay Collective is a creative hub for potters and ceramic artists of all levels.
Through workshops, exhibitions, and collaborations, we celebrate the art of clay and handmade craftsmanship.
blue mountains clay collective