Writing about ceramics with Robyn Phelan

There’s a story held within every object shaped by human hands, and Object: stories of design and craft from the Australian Design Centre is where those narratives unfold. This isn't a lecture series, but a series of conversations that pull up a chair beside the makers themselves. You’ll hear the subtle sounds of the studio and the thoughtful pauses as artists and designers explain not just how they work, but why. The focus is firmly on contemporary Australian practice, moving from broad explorations to deep dives into specific disciplines. For instance, one season is dedicated entirely to the world of ceramics, tracing the journey from raw material to finished piece. The most recent season offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the 2023 MAKE Award, a major national prize for innovation. Through this podcast, you’ll meet the winner, Vipoo Srivilasa, alongside finalists like the collective High Tea with Mrs Woo and artists Julie Blyfield, Csongvay Blackwood, and Johannes Kuhnen. The perspectives of award judges, including Jason Smith, Hyeyoung Cho, and Brian Parkes, add another layer to the understanding of what drives contemporary craft forward. Each episode is a quiet immersion into the material, intellectual, and personal processes that define today's most compelling creative work.