yellow SPRING EDITION 2021
MOS AND BROS Movember has something for everybody this year.
HANDMADE WITH CLAY Step into Rebecca’s light-filled Highett studio.
MANU’S PLATTER ART This business is taking finger food to new heights.
e m o c l Wering edition
to our sp yellow of
We’re slowing things down this season. We’re smelling the daffodils, trading busyness for conscious living, and carving out moments to do what we love. Life is up and down at the best of times, but especially in the midst of a pandemic. Mental health experts agree that it’s important to take a break and be kind to ourselves – both physically and mentally. So, go on, spoil yourself just a little. Because there’s no better season for a life reset than spring. You might start by indulging daily in whatever fills your cup. Be it creativity, joking with loved ones, preparing treats in the kitchen, donating time to a good cause, doing that task you’ve been putting off, or getting your hands dirty in the garden. Keeping in touch with others is a vital part of self care. While your body might be saying ‘feed me comfort food’ you might actually be craving social contact and spending time with the ones you love. It’s well worth digging a little deeper to learn what truly makes you tick. In these pages, we’ve delivered a few ideas to get you started. Some can be done at home to help you leap out of bed and mix up your daily routine while others can be saved until the next time you’re out and about exploring vibrant Victoria. Happy cup-filling!
Kylie and the Ryman Healthcare team.
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In this issue YOGA STORY 04 ALynette greets each day with a smile thanks to yoga.
FASHION 06 ACTIVE Sure, it’s comfy and practical, but can active wear really be stylish? Um... just turn to page 8.
16
A MO 08 GROW Movember is just around the corner and everybody’s invited!
CRAVING 10 WE’RE ADVENTURE Plan to explore whimsical Loch. It’s only a day trip away and packed with character.
YOUR 12 BRIGHTEN GARDEN Matt’s colourful garden tips and Arch’s prize-winning dahlias.
AND HIS 14 MANU PLATTERS Step into a finger food dream laced with hummus.
THE 16 BUILD ULTIMATE PLATTER Manu has transformed the humble platter into an art form.
CLAY STUDIO 22 URBAN Rebecca walks us through how to handbuild a clay bowl at home.
Journey
A remarkable
Born in India to a surgeon mother, Lynette went on to break glass ceilings around the world. And she’s continuing to make the most of every day. Having spent her professional life jet-setting the globe, Lynette knows the importance of physical and mental health. “I was in India at the time and not feeling good about anything, so I decided to focus on yoga.” After trying different classes, she decided they weren’t her thing. She jokes, “I’m just the kind of person that needs personal attention”. A trainer was recommended and “we just clicked”. Three times a week, her trainer tailored yoga moves to Lynette’s body and goals. “Everything doesn’t suit everyone. Over those 6 months of training, I got to grips with which asanas (poses) suit me.” Now, Lynette begins every morning with a yoga session before walking 2km. At 75, Lynette’s commitment to embracing each day is no surprise to those who know her. “I’ve got to keep busy you see. I can’t sit still!” Her career began with a short stint at the United Nations in Geneva. “I quickly realised it was a massive bureaucracy. Things were done too slowly for a 23-year-old.” She returned to England and accepted an offer to work for ICL, the only competitor to IBM at the time. But Lynette had a catch, she wanted to be based in India. “But in India I had my own challenges because they didn’t know what to do with a woman professional.” Treated as a “strange specimen”, Lynette found she “had to fight. But I did, and I thrived”.
’ve got to keep “ Ibusy you see. I can’t sit still!. ” A 16-year career ensued with ICL. “There weren’t a whole lot of companies you could work with in the 1970s”, she laughs, “and they gave me a lot of opportunities. 4 | yellow
I was the first woman in management”. Following a joint venture she negotiated with Datacraft, Lynette was invited to be CEO. As employee number one, she grew the venture into the largest data networking company in India. In 2000 Lynette and her husband Conrad decided to migrate. “I was ready to leave India. As CEO I had to deal with a lot of corrupt officials and I was tired of it.” She took “a quiet little job in the corner” with Datacraft in New Zealand, recharged her batteries and earned her residency. The day after residency was granted, Lynette flew out to Singapore to head up human resources for her company’s APAC (Asia Pacific) region. “I’d had enough of waking up with numbers in my head at 2am. I wanted a people oriented job.” Unfortunately, it was the most stressful job of all – after the Dotcom bubble burst she was required to downsize staff numbers across the 13 countries in APAC. “Unfortunately I was known as the Angel of Death in the Philippines” because when Lynette arrived, jobs were lost.
in Sanskrit which translates as “to be content with what you have been given is the ultimate happiness”. And Lynette’s yoga routine has played a large part in her contentment. In 2019 Conrad suddenly passed away from a heart attack. “For him to disappear suddenly at 77 was not on.” And again, it was yoga that helped Lynette cope. “Yoga keeps me physically and mentally fit. And helping others helps me. It keeps my mind occupied because I live in my head, I don’t live in my body.” She’s in the process of setting up the LynCon Foundation to assist, mentor, and financially support underprivileged young women into a career in technology. This is something both Lynette and Conrad believed in. Lynette says that Conrad appreciated and enjoyed his intelligent and successful wife. “He was quite a personality, secure in himself and his own successful career in advertising.”
Three years and many air miles later, she had a medical emergency and quit. “Because I believe that if you can’t run at 200 miles an hour, you’d better get off the runway.” She travelled the globe for another six years consulting before the next warning arrived: breast cancer. “I said, ‘ok, that’s a message’, so we settled down.” Lynette switched gears and began executive coaching until retiring in 2020.
When complimented on her success she recalls, “I was very close to my mother. She was my role model and I think the first Indian woman to be a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. When I was 6 years old, she said ‘darling, you must stand on your own two feet’. She supported me through Cambridge University (UK) in 1966 when very few Indian parents would have paid for a daughter’s education abroad. She also taught me what I know about voluntary service and helping others. My mother was exceptional.”
“It has been very hard to achieve what I would describe as a place of being content. We actually have a saying
Special thanks to Lynette. An exceptional woman in her own right, yoga fan, and Ryman resident.
Yogwaith
nette Lyj WARRIOR POSE / VIRABHADRASANA
Strengthens shoulders, thighs and ankles. Lynette has created a variation that suits her body.
TABLETOP POSE / BHARMANASANA
Strengthens wrists, shoulders, back muscles, and is a light stretch for the spine.
EASY POSE / SUKHASANA
Stretches the spine, opens up the hips, and encourages a sense of inner calm.
PALM TREE / URDHVA HASTASANA
Loosens the arms, shoulders, the neck, and upper back.
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Sweat
IN STYLE
ACTIVE WEAR IS THE FASHION INDUSTRY GIVING THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT. AND WHAT DO WE WANT? TO LOOK GREAT AND FEEL COMFORTABLE WHILE LEADING ACTIVE LIVES.
This recent fashion trend crosses the divide between fitness clothing and day wear. Step out of the forest and into a café for a post-hike drink. Hop from the yoga studio onto the high street for a spot of shopping. All minus a costume change! Designed for fitness lovers, active wear doesn’t compromise on quality. The fashion industry took athletic clothing with all the stretch and moisture-wicking you could dream of, then added bold patterns, fashion shaping, and cut outs for style.
MATCHY MATCH Active wear is often designed in sets, like fashion collections, which means you can wear a colour-coordinated outfit or mix and match. Pluck the pants from over here, a top from over there, and throw on a cap that ties the two together. A loosely tied neck scarf is another fun way to complete an outfit – and catch perspiration!
Be bold 6 | yellow
Fun active wear prints can brighten any day. If you’re not feeling energetic in the morning, pull on a pair of bold pants for inspiration. Who knows where they might take you?
P R ACT ICA L L AY E RS Don’t be fooled by its fun and comfortable exterior, active wear is also highly practical. Shop around for pants in different weights – light for indoor, heavier for outdoor. You’ll find long and short sleeved tops with different properties and raincoats waterproof enough to see you through the day. And shoes have joined the trend. Splashed with bright colours, they’re ready to complement your walking, running, hiking, or gym outfit. Lynette, avid walker, yogi and Ryman resident.
Colonugr blocki Alongside busy patterns, you’ll see colour blocking used in active wear design. If a brightly-coloured print of birds and flowers is not your style, colour blocking offers a more minimal alternative. This fun trend uses fewer colours in blocks and panels to liven an outfit. Active wear using colour blocking is best paired with plain items for a balanced look. Mary, adventurer and Ryman resident.
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This article mentions mental health and suicide.
GROW A MO
for a
good cause
Whether they’re growing a mo in support of a loved one lost to cancer or hiking 60km for the 60 men lost to suicide each day worldwide, everyone’s getting involved this Movember.
e’re working “ W toward a world
where men and boys take action to be mentally healthy and well and are supported by their friends, family, and community during tough times.
”
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Movember is committed to ‘changing the face’ of men’s health. The Melbourne-born non-profit has spread globally since its formation in 2003 with millions of Mo Bros and Mo Sisters joining the movement. “We were born over a few beers in a bar in Australia.” Mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer are the core focus. And the funds raised from Movember around the world have helped to fund over 1,250 innovative research and support programmes globally. The goal? For men to live happier, healthier, longer lives.
Encouraging men to stay healthy in all areas of their lives is a full-time job. The month of November may be all about grooming facial hair and having a good time for a good cause, but this non-profit is active yearround. Their work spans research breakthroughs to encouraging men to be more open about discussing their health. And they have help to do it. Movember works alongside an army of global “change agents” like you. These agents donate to the cause, support men to live healthy lives, and start conversations around mental health. “Together, we can change the face of men’s health.”
Globally, we lose one man
EVERY MINUTE to suicide.
That’s a tough statistic to take in.
In Australia, that equates to
7 MEN A DAY It’s the leading cause of death for Australian men aged 15–44 years. THE STATS ARE GRIM, BUT THE IMPACT OF MOVEMBER IS PROMISING.
Movember invests in programmes and initiatives that support men with their mental health. Encouraging those having a hard time to seek help and prompting mates to check in on each other. Movember Conversations is just one way Movember is equipping men to start conversations and open up about their health. To have a go visit conversations.movember.com and click ‘get started’ then follow the prompts. You’ll quickly learn effective ways to help mates open up and talk about how they’re really doing, plus how to encourage them to seek support.
Here’s another harrowing statistic. One in two Australian men will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. And of the over 220,000 men living with or beyond prostate cancer in Australia, nine die every day. Then there’s testicular cancer, the most common cancer in young men. Determined to make a change, Movember is committed to halving the number of deaths from prostate cancer and testicular cancer by 2030.
NO MO? THERE ARE PLENTY OF WAYS TO GET INVOLVED IN MOVEMBER WITHOUT GROWING A MO.
Move for Movember: Turn your weekly exercise regime into a fitness challenge by running or walking 60kms over the month of November. Tackle the challenge solo or create a team. Host a Mo-ment: Save a bro by hosting an event – virtual events work just as well. Gather for bingo or virtually host a trivia night. Connecting online is a great way to keep in touch. Mo Your Own Way: Choose how you want to contribute to Movember and set your own goals. You might plan a hike, read-a-thon, bike ride, or swim. Have fun and get creative!
Learn more about Australia’s leading men’s health organisation at au.movember.com yellow | 9
Join us on a day trip to Loch. You’ll find this charming village of lovingly restored nineteenth century architecture nestled in green, rolling foothills.
A quaint, historic village is tucked away in a Gippsland valley. Only a 1 ½ hour drive from Melbourne, Loch is a special destination year-round. It’s said that you could blink and miss it or spend a weekend and love it. So set aside some time to enjoy Loch village and the surrounding countryside, whether you’re planning a day trip or weekender. Or a driving break on your way deeper into Gippsland! Friendly retailers occupy the main street with modern goods housed in historic buildings. And once you’re laden with shopping bags, perch street-side at a café for local produce and a view of tree lined Victoria Road. At the end of a busy day exploring, the Loch Brewery and Distillery is a local hot spot. Or duck down to the Gippsland Wine Company’s cellar door for gorgeous vineyard views and their award-winning pinot noir. A lovely way to wrap up a relaxing day touring our Victorian backyard.
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A day in the village
05
Not sure where to start? Try these Loch favourites.
01 LOCAL HISTORY
Wander the streets of Loch village and soak up its history. 02 YAKKITY YAK
Take your time browsing ethically sourced products from Nepal. 03 PETER MCEWAN CERAMICS
Visit Peter’s studio for beautiful pottery and workshops. 04 OLIVE AT LOCH
Stop by for an early lunch, fresh baking, or relaxed cuppa. 05 UDDER & HOE
Stock up on quality regional produce at this local providore. 06 GIPPSLAND WINE COMPANY
Sip small batch wines at the cellar door Friday, Saturday, Sunday. 07 LOCH VILLAGE WALK
Tour the railway tunnel and learn about giant earth worms. 08 LOCH WINE BAR
09
Stop by Thursday to Sunday for cheesy pizzas and share plates. 09 CARRINGTON’S OF LOCH
This main street store overflows with antiques, period furniture, and unique homewares.
04
01 07
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Colourful coordination Make sure that the flowering plants included in your garden work well with your other plants and any structural buildings. Lush green foliage is the perfect backdrop and if you’re in doubt use white flowering plants or trees and you can’t go wrong.
Spring Sensations Landscaping guru Matt Leacy wants to see colour in your garden this season.
The mild weather spring delivers is ideal for adding new plants to the garden, sowing seeds, and laying the groundwork for the warmer months ahead. There's no better time to add a pop of colour and floral flair to your outdoor space. Bright gardens are known to brighten moods. And provide a steady supply of fresh blooms for display. The key is to plan ahead and plant intentionally. Here are my tips for using florals in your garden like a pro.
•
Azaleas are perfect for hedging or mass planting. They come in white and vivid pink and red shades.
•
Everlasting daisies are great for potted colour. They’re compact and come in a variety of colours.
•
Mandevillas are bright and hardy so are ideal in pots or used as a climber to soften facades or fence lines.
•
Dahlias are another beautiful spring planting flower that deliver an uplifting burst of colour to gardens and interior vases.
Mass planting Flowers are at their best when planted en masse in pots, a garden bed, or as a border around the bottom of trees. Planting different floral varieties or dotting flowers sparsely can look messy. It’s well worth creating a theme and planning the look you want to achieve before adding florals to your garden. Buying small seedlings or using seeds is a great way to keep your costs down. Spring is the right season to plant small and watch them grow as flowers tend to sprout up quickly and thrive in the warmth of spring. Check the tag on your flower before planting to understand its best use. Begonias create stunning pathway edging while gardenias, orange jasmine, and hydrangeas can add style and structure to a garden with flowering hedging.
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Sniff sniff Perhaps you’re not bothered by colour. Perhaps you prefer your plants to be more functional than pretty. Well, what could be more functional than natural fragrance? A happy bonus of spring planting is a fragrant garden. And you can bring your scented paradise indoors with fresh cut flowers. Lavender, sweet peas and jasmine are great options for a heady scent, and sweet peas and lavender are favourites for cut flowers.
If in doubt Plant white flowers. You can’t go wrong with a white flowering bush, plant, or tree. When paired with a lush green setting, white flowers really pop and bring elegance and charm to any garden. They also pair beautifully with grey toned plants like olive trees.
Native blooms
Native blooms not only add vivid colour to your garden, they tend to be hardy. They also attract birds, pollinators, and other beneficial wildlife to your outdoor space. Callistemon, grevilleas and kangaroo paws are three of my favourites. They can also be grown in pots. Some native options have the added benefit of not needing to be replaced seasonally.
Growing Dahlias with Arch Ryman resident Arch sees gardening as an investment in the future. “When you plant your tubers or bulbs, you've got something to look forward to later on.” One of his gardening specialities is the dahlia. While the flower is enjoying a renaissance, Arch has loved dahlias for a while. A prize-winning grower, some of his dahlias have been placegetters in shows organised by the Brightwater Horticultural Society, which he was president of for many years. Novice growers are often intimidated by the idea of growing dahlias, but Arch says they’re just like growing spuds in terms of technique. All you need is a sunny location with well-draining soil. Dig a hole and plant your tubers with the eyes, or growing point, facing up. And don’t worry if you have limited space, dahlias can also be grown in pots.
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Sociainl g graz The social platter co. is taking the catering industry by storm. Manu and his partner Paul were often called on by friends and family to create elaborate platters for special occasions. “It wasn’t until a friend in Brisbane pointed out that Australia was going crazy for platters that I looked into it and saw there was a gap in the market here, so we went for it.” A natural business idea for Manu, he grew up with big social gatherings. “Where food brings people together, there’s always too much, and everyone leaves too full”, he laughs.
“ F or us, food
has always been something that brings people together.
”
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Manu has always loved cooking. Before catering, he would walk the supermarket aisles and replicate flavours that looked tasty. “I would think the flavours were interesting – but I was sure I could do it better!” Manu’s mother tells him he was destined to be a chef. “And now I’m an untrained chef who tells 18 talented, trained chefs what to do every day”, he laughs. “But I’ve been doing it so long, I feel very experienced.” Manu’s desire to ‘improve’ is evident in every aspect of the social platter co. “The lavosh we make is a twist on the traditional sesame cracker. Ours are long and triangular and we add paprika for an orange tinge or add
a kick of spice. There are so many things you can do with that one recipe to make it just a little exciting.” While you can flip to page 19 for Manu’s lavosh recipe, he keeps some recipes under lock and key. “We use some family recipes that have been passed down generations. Our Portofino pâté is a dip so versatile it goes with anything. We’ve tried to change the name, but we’re stuck on it! That, and our salted caramel truffles are secret recipes.” The ethos at the social platter co. is to make everything in-house. “We order in meat and cheese, of course, but everything else is made in our catering kitchen – breads, chocolates, crackers, dips, spreads,
TURNER T U R N ER
+
Nothing “ gets put out
custard squares, lamingtons, the lot.” So, is it cheaper to make everything in house? “Oh no, it’s 100% cheaper to buy it in. You can buy a slab of brownie for less than $30, which would only cover the eggs we put in our brownie. But that’s our difference. Ours is never just a brownie, it’ll taste incredible and there will be dried raspberry and a pansy on top – we’re solely focused on what our customers see and taste.”
unless it’s garnished at least twice.
Determined to maintain their edge, Manu keeps up with the latest global food trends. “Food trends change pretty quickly, so checking in on what is trending overseas is important.” And those trends make their way onto the social platter co. platters, along with Manu’s unique spin. Side plates aren’t a given at the social platter co. Manu explains that while they provide plates on request, the ideal grazing scenario doesn’t need plates. “We create a central point where people can go to eat, mingle, and talk about the platter. It sparks conversation.” His favourite moments catering events are when “people make their own combinations from the platter and just have to tell someone, who proceeds
”
to share their own unique combination”. As the platters are eaten, those combinations are no longer available. “You see they’re disappointed, but they make a new combination and the whole conversation begins again!” After 14 years spent in a demanding corporate role, this is what Manu is passionate about. Serving exceptional food that looks incredible and brings people together. “Our first business case said that we want people to have a symphony for their eyes and a taste explosion. I believe we’ve stayed true to that.” Thanks to Manu, owner of the social platter co.
Visit rymanhealthcare.com.au/ lifestyle to follow Manu’s stepby-step instructions for creating a decadent platter at home.
Photography credits: Jasmine Ann Gardiner and Rae Fallon
N EE D S OMETHI NG B E AUTI FUL TO SERV E YOUR PLAT TE R ON? Artisan Neil Turner uses Australian timbers to create works of art. And each piece tells its own story. What began as a refuge from tough WA farm life spiralled into gallery showings across Australia and internationally. Turner + Turner was born when Neil partnered with his wife, photographer Suellen Turner, on a collection of modern and functional timber homewares. Their heirloom pieces are designed and handcrafted to last generations. turnerandturner.com.au yellow | 15
Build your own
t n e d deca with Manu from the social platter co.
Bread Slice your bread into even pieces and snake it along your platter immediately after placing the dips. This is your foundation for height.
Garnish Adding the garnish is all about creating a sensory overload. Fill every gap with garnishes that are colourful and textured.
Meats Cut your meats into bite-sized pieces so they’re easy for people to eat. A clever trick is to roll shaved meats, then cut to size.
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Fruits
Dips
Crackers
Cheese
Fruits can be sliced into fun shapes to keep eaters on their toes. Check that juicy fruits like pineapple don’t make items soggy.
Start here! Position dips and spreads in the middle of your platter. These are props for other items to lean against.
Add your crackers last because now there are plenty of items to lean them against and gaps to slide them into.
Cut your cheeses into different sized chunks for variety and interest. And add height by stacking large pieces.
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Handmade delicacies Manu of the social platter co. shares his go-to recipes for an enviable platter.
Easy bread loaves
This recipe makes two loaves, simply halve the dough before baking. INGREDIENTS
400g flour 1 tsp salt 35g fresh yeast 50ml canola oil 2 tbsp brown sugar 340ml warm water Soy milk, to coat pre-baking Optional: seeds to garnish METHOD
1. Pour 250ml of the warm water into a jug. Add the oil, brown sugar, and yeast. Whisk until the yeast has completely dissolved. Set aside. 2. Add all the dry ingredients to a mixer, ideally using a dough hook. Add the water mixture and mix well. 3. Add the rest of the water and mix for 10 minutes. You don’t want your bread mix to be too sticky, so add more flour as needed. You want to be able to handle it without it 18 | yellow
sticking to your fingers. Test the dough after mixing by stretching it. If it stretches without breaking, then the gluten has done its job. If not, continue mixing for a couple of minutes and try stretching again. 4. Once you’re happy with the stretch, leave it to start proving in your mixer. Either spray the top with oil or cover it to stop it from drying out. 5. Once it has doubled in size pour the dough onto your bench. To make loaves, halve
the dough and roll each half into a sausage. Or cut off pieces of dough and mould them to your desired shape. 6. Prove again until the dough has doubled in size. At this point use soy milk to coat it (this will keep it vegan) and sprinkle with seeds then cook at 180°C until golden brown or the loaf sounds hollow. Cooking time depends on the size of your loaf.
It doesn’t have to be “ perfect, a rustic look is what we’re after. ”
Lavosh crackers
This recipe makes around 50 crackers depending on what size you cut them. INGREDIENTS
METHOD
1 cup plain flour
1. Combine all ingredients and mix using a dough hook in your mixer. If you don’t have a dough hook, then mix your ingredients by hand. Mix to form a sticky mixture.
1/4 cup wholemeal flour 2 tbsp each black and white sesame seeds 1 tsp sea salt (plus salt to sprinkle on once rolled) 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ½ cup water Choose a flavour Add 1 tbsp of any of the following to give your lavosh colour and flavour: smoked paprika, cumin, or oregano.
2. Once mixed, it is important to rest your dough. Resting your dough will ensure the gluten in the flour settles so you don’t find yourself rolling against the stretch of the gluten. Rest in a warm place for an hour. 3. Preheat oven to 170°C. Roll out so the dough is around 2mm thick then cut into your desired shapes using a knife or pizza cutter. 4. Bake for 15-20minutes or until your crackers feel hard to touch. 5. Once cooled, store in an airtight container.
Always start in the “middle with your dips and spreads. ”
Hummus dip
This recipe makes one dish of hummus.
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
1 can of chickpeas (330ml-400ml)
1. Combine all ingredients in a food blender and mix until smooth. The longer you mix the smoother it will be, but the final texture is a personal choice.
1 tbsp tahini 2 tbsp lemon juice 2 cloves garlic (add more if you like garlic) 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Optional flavour: ½ cup mashed pumpkin or sweet potato, or a combination of the two, or roast capsicum. Optional garnish: smoked paprika, sunflower seeds (sprinkle).
2. The beautiful thing about hummus is that plain hummus is great, but you can add any different flavours to it you like. Add the following for a different flavour: 1/2 cup mashed pumpkin or sweet potato – or a combination of the two – or roast some capsicum and add this to the blender. 3. Once blended, add colour with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and sunflower seeds. yellow | 19
Urban Clay Busy creating in her light-filled ceramic studio in Highett, Rebecca Withington is feeling energised.
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Everyone works at their own pace at Urban Clay and Rebecca doesn’t group people by abilities. “Beginners can sit next to someone who has been coming for two years which is really lovely.” Rebecca’s approach is to demonstrate at the beginning of class then walk around giving personal assistance to develop everyone’s skills independently. “It’s a shared individual experience.” Amid the pandemic, people are re-evaluating what makes them happy. Rebecca describes working with clay as an invitation to reconnect with our hands. "Working with your hands feels comforting and familiar. It's innate.” At the start of her career, Rebecca took off to travel Japan and Korea with a Fine Art degree majoring in ceramics under her belt. While there she was offered a traditional Japanese apprenticeship in Mashiko, one of Japan’s traditional pottery towns. The experience gave her a deeper understanding of traditional pottery as an artform “but also about the ways of a craftsperson’s life”. On return, Rebecca couldn’t make a living making pottery in Australia. “There was no appreciation for handmade then, it wasn’t fashionable like it is now.”
After a corporate career as a homewares buyer, Rebecca saw a gap in the education market. “I noticed people had nowhere to train. TAFE had closed and there were few ceramics departments in Melbourne.”
For many students “ the weekly class
Urban Clay is a beautiful space where people gather to indulge in the joys of clay making. “It’s fantastic for me. I get to meet all these amazing, interesting people and do what I love.” Rebecca has a wide range of students who commonly use pottery as an escape. She explains that working with clay takes patience and practise. People begin by learning to feel the clay – connecting their mind, body, clay, and wheel. For many students the weekly class acts as a mental reset, a step away from the pressure of work or family concerns. “People covered in clay can’t touch their phone! This is two hours of the week where they don’t look at or touch a glass screen. That mental break from technology is really important.”
acts as a mental reset, a step away from technology, work pressures or family concerns.
”
Rebecca has found that “people love to see and feel their fingerprints in the clay”. When class begins, everyone has the same materials, tools and instruction, but she says that each piece has an incredible individuality. “To see a student's joy when they make their first pot is wonderful. It takes a while for people to relax after a long day, but you see them get into a flow and it’s amazing to watch.” Thanks to Rebecca Withington. Ceramic artist, founder and owner of Urban Clay. urbanclay.com.au yellow | 21
Handmade Ceramicist Rebecca Withington is a clay expert. The owner of Urban Clay spends her days pressing, pinching, and building. Follow along as she teaches us how to handmake a bowl from a soft slab of clay. This is a simple craft that you can do at home.
1
Step one
Roll your clay slab until it’s nice and even and around 1-2cm thick. If you don’t have a rolling pin, a bottle will work just as well. Take your time to carefully smooth the top of the clay with your old credit card. Flip the clay and smooth again.
2
3
4
Step two
Step three
Step four
Add texture to your slab with anything textured at home. Grip fabric, hessian, and linen all create beautiful textures. Have a hunt around and get creative. Lay the fabric over the top of your slab and roll with the rolling pin.
You could use a couple “ of books and roll your slab out between those. ” 22 | yellow
You can change your final product by using a different mould. Rebecca’s using a bamboo bowl but all shapes and sizes are welcome when working with clay! To avoid the slab sticking to your mould place a cloth on top of your prepared slab. Place your mould in the centre of the slab and hold all the layers together as you flip everything over, remove the board, and place the bowl upside down on a stable plinth.
Place your textured fabric over the surface of the clay as you gently press the slab working your hands evenly around the form. This also transfers the texture onto the outside of the bowl. Take any household knife and trim away the excess clay. Rest your creation overnight or until the clay turns leather hard with a liquorice consistency.
MATERIALS
There’s no need for expensive equipment. Rebecca has designed this craft for everyone. Grab some common household items and you’re ready for action. • Soft slab of clay • Bowl to use as a mould
Hand building
homewares
• Timber or books to hold the slab in place
• Old credit card or membership • Hessian or card to smooth linen to give the clay the clay texture • A block or stable plinth for • Knife your bowl to rest • Rolling pin on upside down.
5
Step five
It’s hard not to feel happy when looking at Marg’s pottery. It’s vibrant in colour and lively in design. “I love colour. Nothing is too bright for me.” Often depicting natural subjects, her pieces bring the beautiful outdoors inside.
There’s so “ much more to
learn and I hope this is just the beginning of your clay journey!
Flip the bowl over and remove your mould and gently release your non-stick layer to reveal your bowl. All that’s left is to remove any stray edges, shape the lip however you like and sponge it smooth. Once the lip is dry, your bowl is complete.
Once you have completed your bowl you will need to take it to your nearest pottery firing service and arrange for your pot to be bisque fired to 1,000 degrees and then you’ll be able to apply glaze & fire again! If you’d like Rebecca to walk you through this craft online, watch the video on our lifestyle blog rymanhealthcare.co.nz/lifestyle Special thanks to Rebecca Withington of Urban Clay urbanclay.com.au
It all began 10 years ago while Marg and her husband Brian were living on the Gold Coast. “I joined a pottery group nearby and loved it.” Her collection includes everything from flowers and sculptures to bowls and plates. “I enjoy exploring different methods and creating different forms.”
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Marg fires her work twice to achieve clean, bright colours. “The first is a bisque firing then the glaze is applied before the final firing is done.” This process seals the underglaze decoration, preventing it from smudging as the glazing brush is dragged across. “I prefer hand building over throwing on a wheel.” Which frees Marg up to create wherever she likes. She’s frequently found pottering away on her balcony or kitchen bench. Thanks to Margaret, pottery artist and resident at Ryman’s Nellie Melba Village. yellow | 23
RETIRE MEANS WITHDRAW, RETREAT, PULL BACK.
Not this n. generatio
There’s a new generation pioneering what it means to live in retirement. And they’re making the most of every moment. They’re trying new things and rediscovering passions that were lost when responsibilities took over. They’re enjoying freedom, independence, and relaxing into creativity. We want to help them do it. That’s why we’re pioneering a new way of living for a new retirement generation.
rymanhealthcare.com.au