Visit The Salted Earth Studio, 500 Sandhills Road, Brookhampton during the Art Trail. Well worth the visit to get off the beaten track!
Marilyn Dreaver a clay artist who specialises in woodfired salt glazed works that are unique and individual. Her practice involves creating timeless works that radiate her love of clay by showcasing unique quirky pieces or functional ware to enjoy everyday
From the moment I first held a paintbrush as a child, I knew that art would be a lifelong passion. Encouraged throughout my youth, I was fortunate to receive a scholarship to study art at university. This path led me to study under the renowned Mirek Smíšek OBE, a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of ceramics and traditional techniques.
My work is deeply connected to the environment—the land, the earth, and my personal experiences. My style, though rooted in tradition, carries my unique twist, influenced by the old masters and my own interpretations of their works. Each piece I create is born from inspiration, and I work through it intuitively, allowing the process to guide me. If I step away, I find my way back through revisiting past works, returning to basics, or drawing from photographs to reignite my motivation.
A Lifelong Journey of Learning and Creating
Art is an infinite journey of learning—the more I create, the more my skills evolve. One of my proudest moments as an artist was when Mirek Smíšek purchased one of my works from an exhibition I held in New Zealand. That moment affirmed my path, yet I have never pursued art as a profession in the traditional sense. Family has always come first, and my artistic practice has grown around the rhythms of my life.
I want my work to be accessible and enjoyed by many, not confined to a shelf or hidden away due to its cost. Art should be touched, used, and loved—a tangible connection to its maker and its journey. When people handle my pieces, I hope they feel the story behind them, the energy and thought infused into the clay, and the history being shaped through the work.
Clay, Community, and Connection
Every creation tells a story about me, my environment, and my journey. Each piece is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the lessons learned through years of practice. I have been fortunate to have mentors who believed in my ability, generously sharing their time and wisdom to guide and inspire me.
Often, my works evolve into quirky statements or functional pieces that reflect the environment I live in. Always a country girl, I grew up in a small rural community in New Zealand, where the lifestyle fostered the energy and freedom to live creatively. Working with clay has been a grounding force in my life—it soothes my soul, nurtures my creativity, and has given me strength through the years.
As a mother of five, a grandmother of seven, and a teacher of many, my practice is a balance of personal expression and shared experience. My love for woodfired salt-glazed ceramics shines through in each unique, individual creation. Whether it’s a functional vessel or a playful, sculptural piece, my work is made to be enjoyed, handled, and cherished as part of everyday life.
Through my art, I hope to create more than just objects—I want to share stories, evoke memories, and celebrate the beauty of the earth that has shaped me as an artist. My pieces are not just clay; they are a reflection of my journey, my resilience, and my deep love for the craft.
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