PHOEBE KRETSCHMER
Phoebe Kretschmer is a ceramic artist working on Kaurna land, where she explores the interplay of patterns, human touch, and the natural world. Born in Adelaide in 1989, she began her ceramics journey in 2015 while living in Vancouver, Canada, studying under Japanese artist Hidenori Ebina and becoming captivated by clay’s transformative potential. Using both hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques, she draws inspiration from nature’s organic forms and textures as her primary muse. Influenced by her early training, she embraces the philosophy of wabi-sabi, celebrating imperfection and authenticity. Her work represents an ongoing exploration of craftsmanship, nature, and personal expression, aiming to create pieces that evoke connection and contemplation in viewers.
In this series, ‘See Yourself in a Banana Plant,’ she examines the genetic link between humans and bananas, which share between 20-50% of their “housekeeping” genes—those necessary for basic cellular function. Through the simple act of eating a banana, we assimilate that material into ourselves. By highlighting our inherited similarities, her aim is to inspire a sense of unity and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life.
This piece is inspired by the spiralled internal cross-section of a banana plant stem, is crafted from dark clay with a Shino glaze. The glaze pools in the crevices, creating lighter tones that accentuate the piece. A centrally placed mirror reflects that there is a small part of you in each stem, representing the dialogue and connection we share.
“My background encompasses an array of experiences that have all shaped my creative process. This began during my studies in Interior Architecture at UniSA, where my love and appreciation of objects and furniture first grew. Designers like Eileen Grey inspired me, and through studying design subjects I began to consider furniture and objects I would like to create.
After graduating in 2011, I worked in retail store design, before moving to Vancouver, Canada in 2014 after feeling life needed change. The following year, I began to learn pottery as I had found myself drawn to the medium. I began learning at a Japanese Studio called ‘HiDe Ceramic Works’. I learnt under the owner and teacher, Hidenori Ebina, and in 2015 began employment with the studio as a teacher, as well as assisting with commissions and studio operations. I worked at the studio until I felt a pull back to Australia and made the decision to return at the end of 2018.
Once back in Australia, I set up a studio in the home shed while also commencing employment with a startup company, All The Things. I learnt many different skill sets in this role, primarily production management and assistance with product photoshoots and filming. During this time, I continued to create pottery at home.
In late 2021 I was fortunate enough to start as Production Manager in the Ceramics Studio at JamFactory, which has been a nice amalgamation of my passions and experience so far. I’m grateful for the experiences that have led me to this point. ”