About Katrina Carling
Katrina Carling is the founder of Unearthed Ceramics, and is the the artist who passionately creates each ceramic ware in the brand’s range.
Her work is shaped by the wild beauty of the Australian landscape—the shifting colours of the earth, the textures of stone and sand, the quiet strength of ancient landlines. Each piece Katrina creates is a response to this place, a way of bringing its spirit into everyday life.
“I am guided by the freedom to follow what my heart calls me to make. Sometimes it’s a vessel with a gentle curve, sometimes a bowl that feels just right in your hands. I believe in making wares that are not only beautiful, but truly useful—pieces that become part of your daily rituals, whether you’re sharing a meal or simply pausing for a quiet moment.
There’s a certain pleasure in the weight of a well-made bowl, in the subtle marks left by the maker’s hands. No two pieces are ever quite the same, each carrying its own story and character. My hope is that when you use my pottery, you feel the joy and intention that went into its making—a reminder of the connection between people, place, and the things we hold dear.”
Words from the artist.
I grew up on an orchard outside a small town in the Goulburn Valley, and later by the banks of the Murray River where my parents operated an overnight Paddlesteamer business. After studying a BA in Art History and Indigenous studies at Latrobe, I worked then went onto further study in Interior Decoration and Design. I ran my own Design practice for about fifteen years and then was ready for a change.
In 2014, I enrolled in a ceramics class and was immediately hooked. It can be a humbling craft to master. In tandem I worked at the much loved Elk The Label part time. That gave me the invaluable opportunity to see the business grow over that time, witness its sustainability journey and learn from its marketing and sales techniques. The job gave me the time and space to pursue my love for ceramics.
I have been running my own business from my garden studio in Preston full time since 2020. It is a challenge and a joy every single day!
Since then, I have established my own ceramics practice, Unearthed Ceramics. Over time, I have created what I hope is an ever evolving range of original ceramics as well as managed the sales and marketing with my own website and social channels. I have participated in several group shows, Three Day Clay and Melbourne Clay events, have been featured in Green Magazine and had wares shown in Design Files features.
A range of my Unearthed Ceramics is on sale at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, as well as Spacecraft and Alimentari Goods Store in Fitzroy. There is only so much that I can make, and the choice are endless. I am a member of The Australian Ceramics Association, Clay Matters, a grassroots organisation concerned with sourcing and sharing information about best environmental practice, and Craft Victoria.
My ceramics are made using traditional methods: my hands and the timeless combination of the elements earth, water, fire and air. I am working with a medium that needs plenty of time to come to fruition and am happy to work with clients to bring their ideas into reality as well. It’s Slow Craft at its best. Communication and true collaboration is key!
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