CERAMICIST

Cathy Hicks is the ceramicist behind Blackbird Ceramics, working from her home studio in Blackheath on Dharug and Gundungurra Country. Over more than 30 years, she has developed her practice through workshops with Australian and international potters, alongside studies at TAFE NSW.

Working primarily in the mid-fire range, Cathy is drawn to the rich possibilities of contemporary clay bodies and glazes. She favours reliable Keane’s clays, particularly Mid-Fire Lumina for its smooth, buttery quality and soft sheen at Cone 5/6, and Red Earth for its deep, resonant colour. These materials continue to inform an ongoing process of experimentation and refinement.

Cathy’s practice centres on functional ware, especially bowls and vessels for everyday use. Her wheel work reflects a love of rhythm and repetition, often accompanied by audiobooks that echo the comforting experience of being read to. This sense of comfort carries through to the work itself—she believes that nourishment is enhanced by the vessel, and that handmade objects can deepen our connection to daily rituals.

Alongside wheel throwing, Cathy has recently expanded into handbuilt forms, with slab-built candlesticks marking a new and satisfying direction in her practice.