Meet the Team

Ariana Sangster is one of the studio technicians at ClayMake and has recently started teaching in 2026. She has been playing with clay since 2018, with Andrea Vinkovic as her first ever ceramics tutor. 
Since then, she has experimented with different forms, clays and firing techniques to create her work. She now uses a mix of wheel throwing and hand-building to create anything from sculptures to her whimsical 'face pots'.

You can see more of Ariana's work at @ceramicsbyariana

​Cat Conner is a seasoned professional who has been teaching at Claymake for the past 5 years, specialising in beginner to advanced wheel work. She also has experience in handbuilding, decorative techniques, and a special love for handles and artistic functional ware. ‘
 
You can see more of Cat's work at @cat.a.conner 

Interested in private tutoring? You can contact Cat here 

Jo Yong finds inspiration in the ordinary wares of the everyday, as well as in the problem-solving aspect of functional pieces. Her practice is greatly influenced by her background as a graphic designer — she enjoys the process of conceptualising and designing ceramic pieces, all while being challenged by the many limitations of working with the medium. Primarily a handbuilder, she has a focus on creating minimal pieces that are both highly functional and beautiful; she loves the natural textures of clay itself and strives to push the boundaries of form. Jo also enjoys sharing her love for clay and the meditative nature of handbuilding through teaching.

You can see more of Jo's work at @yongobjects
Interested in private tutoring? You can contact Jo here

​Laura Martin is a multidisciplinary artist from Victoria, who predominately works in ceramics. Conceptually, Laura's works are inspired by a blend of Australian nature, Japanese aesthetics and psychoanalytic enquiry. Laura enjoys hand-building ceramics, playing with the balance of form and function and continues to find new techniques and challenges throughout her practices.
After studying Visual Arts and Design, Laura worked as a Visual Arts Technician in a secondary college, where she spent 11 years assisting students and teachers in facilitating art classes and workshop, and curating the school’s gallery space.
Laura has also worked as an arts tutor in paint and sip classes, has worked with NDIS clients in ceramics and has volunteered in numerous arts event and exhibitions. She sees herself as an ‘arts facilitator’, helping others to realise their artistic concepts and nurture creative confidence.

​You can see more of Laura's at @lauramartin_ginkostudio

Interested in private tutoring? You can contact Laura here

Laura Payne, a former seamstress of 20 years, turned to clay as therapy for an injury not too long ago. Taking to it like slip on greenware, she quickly repurposed her sewing studio of 20 years to make room for a wheel -  trading altering wedding gowns to altering forms made in mud. 
Laura process usually starts off with wheel throwing, then altering the forms with decorative techniques, into characterful pieces, taking a maximalist approach with a dark kitsch and whimsical edge. 

Creator of Kill’n Moon Ceramics, she’s new to private tutoring, but happy to give it a spin. 

​You can see more of Laura's work here and @killnmoonceramics 
Interested in private tutoring? You can contact Laura here

Megan Brandis discovered pottery in 2015 and has not looked back. Her work is evolving through her continued exploration of different styles and approaches to ceramics. 
Predominantly a wheel thrower, Megan has been discovering the meditative joy in hand building , whilst experimenting with texture and carving.
To glaze or not to glaze …………. Megan’s multiple clay pieces are not always glazed on the outside , this allows the natural state of the clay to shine. Her multi layered clay pieces reflect the her interpretation of the Western Australian landscape. 
Megan’s glazed work can sometimes be calming or a little chaotic – as life can be. 

You can see more of Megan's work at @meganbrandis
​Interested in private tutoring? You can contact Megan here

Wendy Golden is an Instructor and Ceramic Technician with a background in Fine Art. She’s been working at ClayMake since 2020 and specialises in teaching beginner wheel work across all ages; passionate about communicating technical processes within a supportive creative environment. 

Interested in private tutoring? You can contact Wendy here

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ClayMake wouldn't be complete without our super friendly studio dogs. Most days you'll find at least one of Andrea & Emma's dogs Bertie, Teddy, Lilu or Novi waiting to say hello.
If you have your own dog you are very welcome (more like obliged) to bring them along next time you're in the studio.