Current Artists in Residence

Paul Davis & Jacqueline Clayton

Artists in Residence from 21 May – 26 July 2026

Canberra Potters is delighted to welcome esteemed ceramicists and internationally recognised artists Paul Davis and Jacqueline Clayton. Together, they bring decades of ceramic knowledge, international experience, and a shared commitment to material exploration, studio practice, and making. Over many years, they have worked alongside one another while maintaining distinct independent practices and an ongoing dialogue of exchange, critique, and reflection. Although their approaches remain different, this close creative proximity fosters dynamic conversations that sharpen the particularity of each practice.

While they share similar histories of ceramic training in Japan and Australia, as well as a mutual interest in the origins, science, and development of ceramic materials, their respective practices are driven by distinctly different personal and conceptual concerns.

During the residency period, Jacqueline and Paul will produce new work for their exhibition [Un]common Ground at Canberra Potters Gallery from 19 June to 19 July, lead the masterclass Adaptive Studio Practice: Creating in a Changing Environment, present an artist talk as part of Clay Conversation, and continue the research and development of their individual projects.

Artist bios

Paul Davis

Paul formerly lectured in Ceramics at Monash University, Melbourne and was Director of Sturt Pottery for ten years from 2001. Paul’s varied 50-year history of ceramic practice spans extended periods in both the US and Japan. In 1997 he was awarded a Japan Foundation Fellowship to study with 12th generation Hagi potter Saka Korazaemon, where he deepened his understanding of Japanese forming techniques, glazes and approaches to firing. His personal practice includes large scale sculptural work as well as a focus on vessels associated with the Japanese tea ceremony, reflecting the influence of time spent in Japan. Paul has a deep ongoing interest in identifying and utilising locally sourced clay and glaze materials. He is an elected member of the International Academy of Ceramics and exhibits regularly both in Australia and overseas.

Jacqueline Clayton 

Jacqueline studied Ceramics at National Art School, Sydney, Saga University and Kyoto University of Art, Japan. Accordingly, her individual practice reflects a synthesis of Eastern and Western aesthetics, materials, processes and technical knowledge. It encompasses sculptural installation and more recently, the design and production of bespoke ceramic objects and tableware. Projects include ceramics for restaurants Quay, Bennelong, Yiaga & Noma Australia. Jacqueline founded the Ceramic Studio at University Western Sydney; was Head of Ceramics and Head, School of Design Studies at UNSW, Sydney; International Co-ordinator for First European Woodfire Conference, Germany and Programme Co-ordinator for the Australian Ceramic Triennale, Sydney. Jacqueline exhibits regularly in Australia and overseas and has contributed to a range of local and international publications including Ceramics Art and Perception, Journal of Australian Ceramics and craft + design enquiry. 

Our artist-in-residence program is open to Australian and international potters and ceramic artists. 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
Canberra Potters and Watson Arts Centre acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land where we meet and work, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people and other First Nations people who are connected with this land. We celebrate and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of the ACT and region. This is Aboriginal land. Always was always will be.