Rutherglen’s newest residents and renowned ceramicists, Paul Davis and Jaqueline Clayton have already made an impression on the town after being invited to speak to the Rotary Club of Rutherglen recently.
The couple made the move to Rutherglen from Newcastle last year, purchasing the former Uncle Tobys office complex on Killeens Road, which had been vacant for some time.
Invited to speak at the Rotary Club’s weekly meeting at the Golf Club on January 25, the couple shared about who they are and why they chose to live in Rutherglen.
“We’re both artists and we’re both educators,” Ms Clayton said.
“Both of us have spent a good deal time in the last 30 or 40 years in universities in the art and design area, first as students and then later as mentors and teachers.”
The couple through their own individual work and skills have developed international status in ceramics and design, working with some of the world’s most acclaimed chefs including Australia’s own Peter Gilmore (Quay Restaurant Sydney) create custom ceramic-ware for their restaurants.
Reflected in the couple’s work is their deep love for Japan where they have spent extended periods of time immersing themselves in the culture. Ms Clayton first spent time in the country after been selected by the Rotary Club of Caulfield South youth exchange program. She obtained a degree in Japanese and Japanese language and later returned to the country to attend art school. Mr Davis’ connection with Japan started after receiving a scholarship to work with 12th generation Hagi potter Saka Koraizaemon after completing his master’s degree at Monash University.
“Why Rutherglen?” Mr Davis asked.
“We both love the town. Jacquie was brought up in Finely until the age of 10, and I was part of the Davis crew in Yarrawonga where I lived until I was nine.
“We always had a passion and feel for the area. Each year when we were both teaching at university in Newcastle and Sydney we would travel down to Melbourne.
“One year, I showed Jacquie my favourite little town of Rutherglen and we almost bought a place in Main St.
“The building we ended up purchasing offers all sorts of opportunities for us to continue our passions. We are not set in what we want to do. We are finding out what the building means to us first. We don’t want to cut it off to Rutherglen either. Eventually we will work out what Rutherglen wants from the building, what we want from the building, and work collaboratively with community. The building has so much potential, and we are very excited to see where this adventure takes us.”
At the end of the night, Rotarian Kevin Kelly thanked Mr David and Ms Clayton for sharing their story with the club.
“It’s been fantastic. You’ve got a great project out there and it’s a great project for Rutherglen.”