Throughout her career as a ceramicist, Bonnie Hislop has sought to remove the barriers between community and creativity, making the art form more accessible for curious beginners, regular hobbyists and established pros. After two years running ceramics workshops out of a studio at Yeeronpilly’s Station Road Creative Precinct while simultaneously developing her own body of work, Bonnie realised that the venue had the potential to be so much more. After taking over the studio space entirely last year, Bonnie decided to transform it into Dabbler Studio – an educational hub dedicated to facilitating enquiries into the art of hand-building, where instructional workshops serve to foster an engaged community around mindful making practices and respect for the medium. To help realise her vision, Bonnie recruited a like-minded team that could not only help develop the technical ability of workshop participants, but also nurture artistic growth amongst those that continue making forays into analogue creativity. Bonnie’s first recruit was her mother Karen Hislop, who is credited as the person chiefly responsible for sparking Bonnie’s love for ceramics at the age of 13. Also joining the team is ceramics teacher Michelle Le Plastrier and general manager Myf Halton, who both draw upon their own ceramics practice to help guide first-time dabblers and experienced shapers. The studio itself is equipped with everything needed to indulge in some clay play, including several large work tables, three electric kilns, a slab roller, drying and storage shelves, tools, and an extensive range of colourful glazes and underglazes.

When it comes to getting involved in the Dabbler action, you’re spoiled for choice. Novice hand-builders can sign up for a five-week course that guides participants through the basics, or those more interested in creating a memorable social outing can opt for a relaxed travel cup painting class. Experienced makers or folks that prefer to work independently are encouraged to treat Dabbler like their own studio space (Bonnie is all too aware of the spatial needs that prevent makers from setting up studio space at home), with open studio time available for unguided sessions. Ceramicists that find themselves frequently popping in to work can also sign up for a Dabbler membership, which offers discounts on classes, hands-on support, access to a private skill-sharing forum, exclusive entry into regular giveaways and a locker on-site to store tools and other bits and pieces. No matter your ability, Bonnie hopes Dabbler can help set up makers for success, instil good studio practices and prompt further shifts towards making ceramic art more sustainable.

Dabbler Studio is open now! For contact details and more information, head to the Stumble Guide.