What started with a lump of clay has become a lifeline for locals who found friendships, healing and purpose at Liddlelow Homestead.
At Lyal Richardson Hall in the Agonis, the ceramic artists of Liddlelow Homestead Arts and Crafts Club held their very first exhibition, ‘Making Mud into Meaning’, as part of the nationally recognised Australian Ceramics Triennale.
Kathy Elizabeth once dreamed of studying ceramics before a career in graphics design took her in another direction. In retirement, she finally returned to clay.
“I always wanted to come back to clay. Now, I’ve come back to it, and I love it.”
Emily, a retired nurse, turned to clay after the loss of her husband. It gave her a purpose at a time when she felt adrift.
“I was lonely after I resigned from nursing and lost my husband, and I really went into depression. I knew I had to get out of it. I found Carolyn and the clay group, and I’ve created my own pieces. It’s amazing what your hands will allow you to do.”
These artists see Liddlelow as more than a studio.
“It’s more of a friendship group,” Kathy said, “We talk about all sort of things, have a good laugh and learn from each other. It gets you out of the house, you make a lot of friends and it’s a really inexpensive hobby.”
That sense of connection extends to young exhibitors.
Ellie Goswin said clay is “awesome” and a form of “relaxation”, while her brother, Caleb, said he enjoys seeing what he can create, often with a touch of humour. Their mum, Tracey, said it has been a joy to watch her children learn and see their pieces displayed for the first time.
“It’s just a really nice community, and a nice place for the children to go and feel connected,” she explained.
For Bisma and six-year-old Yusra, homeschooled sisters, Liddlelow homestead has given them creativity, confidence and even the beginnings of entrepreneurship. Their mum, Mehza said the group has been empowering.
“They put their thoughts on clay. It gives them a sense of fulfilment and achievement. It has opened doors to friendships, to learning and even to selling their creations at market.
Curator Carolyn Warren-Langford, who has taught at Liddelow since 2021, has watched the group flourish.
“Clay resonates because it’s grounding and tactile. You can smooch it any way at all, and if you don’t like it, you can make something else. I’ve seen people start shy and nervous, and now they’re confident and showing their work. Playing with clay is about patience, resilience, and learning how to cope when things don’t go quite right.”
She said the group has grown into a community where people bring eggs, vegetables and plant cuttings to share.
“It’s just so lovely. People come nervous, but then they make friends and go for coffee. A lot of people are lonely, and it’s really important they have a safe, fun place to come.”
The exhibition, which runs until Friday, is part of a national program that has brought international artists to Perth. Carolyn noted it’s also a chance to highlight the creativity happening locally.
“Gosnells is not known for being really arty and creative, but we’re working to grow that and bring it more to the public. A lot of people were surprised when they came in and saw the quality here. It shows the talent that’s right in the suburbs. I’m really proud of them.”
