Our teachers

Judith Hoffman

Judith Hoffman sits at a pottery wheel throwing a small cylinderJudith is a ceramic artist with almost 20 years of experience in wheel throwing and handbuilding. She works from her backyard studio in Rosanna and regularly participates in design markets in and around Melbourne. She also draws on her background in education to create engaging and supportive workshops for students of all levels. Judith will be teaching Wednesday nights and some Saturdays. We're so excited to have her join the studio!

 

Sean Aitken

Picture of Sean Aitken smiling at the camera with ceramics in the backgroundSean teaches and works at Aitken Ceramics studio in Fitzroy North, which he established in 2015. Like all potters, his practice is one of creating and refining. Sean's focus is on elegant, functional, and non-functional ceramic forms, and the glazes that enhance and elevate these forms. He also teaches at ClayTalk, Montsalvat. 

With a degree in Graphic Design and a background in producing Early Learning programs for schools, Sean enjoys creating a supportive teaching and learning environment where people of diverse backgrounds and experiences can try ceramics – as something new, creative, and enriching, building skills together while discovering their own style.

Ang Cuy

With a rich background in youth work and theatre, Ang brings a vibrant, creative approach to pottery, blending her passion for color and design with a love for teaching.


A regular at many of Melbourne’s iconic artisan markets, Ang is known for her signature hand-dyed pastel rainbow clay and playful pieces that showcase both technique and imagination.As an instructor, Ang inspires students of all ages to explore their artistic potential and experience the joy and mindfulness that working with clay offers. She’s committed to making pottery both accessible and rewarding for everyone.


In addition to teaching at Clae Space, Ang also works at Sarah Schembri Ceramics, Fired Up Kilns, and runs her own studio, Preston Pottery.

Jessie Pittard

Jessie Pittard stands in front of rows of shelves full of drying pottery. She is holding two bowls resting on round batts that are stacked.

Jessie is an Eltham based artist, printmaker and ceramist. An accomplished wheel thrower and hand builder, Jessie is a regular Monday morning teacher with our adult wheel throwing class, and also teaches children and teens at ClayTalk, Montsalvat.  Jessie also runs 'My Backyard Adventures' where she creates and designs whimsical, fun and functional products for the young and the young at heart.  

Alyssa Potter

Alyssa, a white Caucasian female with dark brown and pink hair, holds a ceramic hamburger and is pretending to take a bite Alyssa is the owner of Clae Space and a budding ceramicist. She has spent her life creating in various forms - from crochet, macrame, painting, sewing and baking. She loves learning and is passionate about testing and trying new clays, glazes, underglazes and techniques. She has a background in Communications and Performing Arts and loves teaching both kids and adults. You will generally meet her at our School Holiday Program and our Pottery & Prosecco and Boobs & Bubbles events.

  

Liz Notley

Picture of Liz Notley standing behind her triangular vase wearing a bright coat.

Liz has been a potter for the last 10 years and is constantly learning and constantly inspired by the work of others. She’s done everything from Nerikomi, wheel throwing, hand building, slip casting, decorating, glazes and wood firing. She recently retired from her role in biosecurity and zoos. Along with teaching at Clae Space, she also volunteers and also works as a teacher at Clay Talk. She is also the volunteer coordinator for the annual Pottery Expo in Warrandyte! Come along to one of our Wheel & Wine nights, Friday Combo class and other workshops to learn from her!

Vivienne Taylor 

Viv Taylor sits at a pottery wheel making a small bowl out of white clay.

Viv is a ceramic artist who is currently studying Secondary Teaching at ACU. She is an accomplished wheel thrower and sgraffitto artist making incredibly detailed works which she sells through Etsy as well as regularly displaying in shows. She has recently started teaching Secondary students (lucky them!) so has moved into a casual role with us. 

 

 

 

Kirsten Formston

Kirsten Formston sits at a pottery wheel making a tall cylinder.

Kirsten is a ceramist based in Wonga Park where she runs her ceramics production and classes at Formston Ceramics. She comes from a family of potters, with her Mum a production studio potter and her Dad a ceramics teacher at Holmesglen. She is a wonderful and knowledgeable wheel throwing teacher. When she's not potting, she also works as a Paramedic with Ambulance Victoria.