Meet the Makers

DEEP IN THE FOREST-BASED TOWNS OF BUNGEO, CREATIVITY FLOURISHES AND ARTISANS WELCOMING YOU

By TORI WILSON & BEVERLY LIGMAN

Cake Lady Ceramics

A woman of many talents, when Lynlee Rutter — famed for her incredibly morish cakes — closed her Lady Marmalade Café in 2020, it was a sad day for the people of Kirup and travellers to the town. But as one door closed, another one opened and the opportunity to indulge in Lynlee’s delicious cakes was once more a possibility once launching her new business, Cake Lady Ceramics, based near Donnybrook.

Applying her creative streak to clay, Lynlee doubles as a baker and talented potter, producing contemporary ceramics with plenty of character and offering immersive workshops with her cakes included as an added treat.

Lynlee works with both the wheel and hand sculpts her pieces, resulting in a varied collection with an array of textures, colours, curves and seemingly intentional imperfections making each piece unique. From vases with little feet and cups with indents and undulating rims, to meticulously crafted plates, and mugs with dainty patterns and skillfully made handles — each is made with care while having fun in the process.

Lynlee’s studio is just as special as the creations that come out of it. Like a fairy’s den in the forest, hanging ceramic pots and unique artworks adorn the walls of the intimate space.

It’s here that you have the chance to spend three hours crafting your own wonderful creation with Lynlee’s guidance in a small group setting. She’ll help you hand sculpt your own mug, a salad bowl and spoons, a garden planter, or even a vase depending on which workshop you choose; all the while it’ll feel like a casual catch up with a friend, thanks to her warm and patient approach.

Learning to let go and not get too attached is all part of the process. As you shape and mould your large lump of clay, it’s surprisingly therapeautic and it won’t be long before you get lost in the journey of creating, wondering where the time went. Visit cakeladyceramics.com.au

Clay Dragons

When Cindy Armanasco and Tarlz Leaf purchased their property in Mullalyup 44 years ago it seemed like fate had led them to it.

Unbeknown to Cindy, who had always had a passion for the arts, the beautiful property in the rolling country hills of the Balingup region was filled with glacial black clay.

“I love working with our clay, it’s such a beautiful medium, it’s premium black clay, but when it’s fired it goes white, so it’s perfect for sculpting our dragons and all of the whimsical creatures we make,” says Cindy.

Cindy says the visitor experience for people at Clay Dragon Arts differs every time, depending on what she and Tarlz are working on in the studio.

“Sometimes people will come and we’re just taking pieces out of the kiln from firing, so they can literally choose fresh pieces, other times we’ll be throwing or Tarlz will be glazing.

“I think people are quite interested in pottery again, it’s a slow art that requires you to be in the moment. People want to reconnect with making things and slow down.”

This year Cindy and Tarlz will be releasing some new creatures, including sea goddesses and octopus cups and said they haven’t ruled out hosting workshops in the future.

“We get a lot of requests for that, so we might do one soon,” says Cindy.

“But for now, we have some exciting new creatures to bring into the world and we’re enjoying working with our clay and bringing them to life.”

Visit facebook.com/ TheClayDragonArtsStudio

WA’s Smallest Art Gallery

Sam Bariesheff was living and working in Perth spending his days in the construction industry when Covid hit and life changed forever. The pandemic inspired him and his wife to move out of the city and have a country tree change.

The Balingup region appealed to the pair as they had family in Donnybook, and now Sam is owner, founder and curator of WA’s Smallest Art Gallery, often exhibiting his own works — which are most recently birds painted with acrylics on wooden pieces.

Unpretentious and generous Sam’s keen to share his love of art with visitors to the region and relishes the opportunity to showcase talented local artist’s work. Join Sam for a workshop painting stunning blue wren birds on wood, and create your own special piece to take home.

“Balingup is magical and time flies in the gallery, it’s so much fun,” says Sam. 33 South Western Hwy, Balingup.