We contacted Lisa from Luna Ceramics before opening the VanillaFood flagship cafe back in 2018. On a trip to Brisbane we stopped in at her studio and fell in love with the homely vibe and array of handmade ceramics. Nilla was literally in heaven.

A few years on, Lisa’s ceramics are still a favourite in both cafes and at Nilla’s home. Many of the VanillaFood dishes are served on the beautiful handcrafted plates.

Lisa has answered a few questions for us, so read on to get familiar with her brand, Luna Ceramics.

Can you share the story behind Luna Ceramics?

I started Luna in 2015 in my garage studio in Brisbane. Even though I have a background in Fine Arts, and have dabbled in silversmithing and painting, I actually didn't touch clay until I took a night class in 2006. Clay was the first medium that I found I wasn't fixated on the final outcome. I was more intrigued by the process. I was happy to be consumed by the doing.

What is your favourite piece to make?

A nicely proportioned cup or a well fitting lid is hard to beat but it really does change with my mood. I find it hugely satisfying to look at rows of freshly thrown bowls or plates. The repetition of a form is not easy, so when there is physical evidence of the energy put in, it feels like time well spent.

What item do you find yourself making the most?

I mainly make dinnerware and other functional pieces. Plates are always in high demand and are troublesome by nature, as they have a tendency to warp and crack. It is no surprise that many potters choose not to make them. If however, you are someone who loves good food, it's probably only a matter of time before you seek out some handmade plates.

(VanillaFood loves the Luna plates, they complement VF dishes beautifully).

What is the process of creating a new design?

Functionality and simplicity is what I aim for in a new design. No matter how beautiful something may initially look, if it doesn't work well then I don't feel that it is a successful piece. When designing, I try to consider the entire process from how the piece is used and handled to how it is stored and cleaned. Using the piece is the best way to really tell if any adjustments need to be made, and it's a good excuse to eat!

Your glazes are beautiful. How do you choose colours?

A neutral, limited palette of earthy tones. It seems to be the colour palette of my life. My home, wardrobe, and my pottery are all in the same colour scheme. I like my glazes to not feel as though they are competing with the food, they are there to complement and enhance the produce that is going to be served on the ceramics.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Inspiration can come from anywhere, it could be from flicking through an architecture magazine, to seeing a beautifully designed jacket or piece of furniture, a landscape, a new recipe, anything at all.

Simplicity of form, a quiet, subtle aesthetic and lasting function are qualities that I hope to achieve with the pieces I make.

What advice can you give to an aspiring potter?

I think everyone should take at least one pottery class in their lifetime, then, inevitably, once you're hooked you will need to come up with a plan to quit your job and set up a studio! This medium can affect people on a significant level, it teaches you about yourself and insists on patience, accepting failure and to slow down.... it is like therapy really! Oh, and you will need to get used to people talking to you about the movie, Ghost.

I also teach a few classes at Clayschool in West End (which is such a privilege), get in touch for more details.

Are there aspects of your business that you consider sustainable or that you consider the environment in the process?

Potters by nature I think are very mindful of the environment. Although clay is fully recyclable, once it is fired it turns to ceramic and is no longer able to be converted back to mud. Being aware of this means that there is the responsibility to only fire pieces that you are happy with, as they will be around for centuries. The pieces that don't make the cut are all recycled, this is labor intensive but worth the effort.

We use as much reused and ‘eco’ packaging as possible. Wheat based void fill and Ranpak honeycomb brown paper are great for most orders. I am lucky enough to have The Modern furniture store, who generously supply me with all their second hand bubble wrap, which unfortunately is sometimes necessary for packing and shipping orders. Newspaper (which is scrunched for packing) is donated by my local post office from their unsold papers, giving them a use and saving me from buying butchers paper.

I also like to think that the resurgence of pottery, and other handcrafted goods are encouraging people to have a greater awareness of their shopping habits.

We love Luna Ceramics, how can our followers make a purchase?

Instagram is the best place to start @lunaceramics or you can email me at lisa.lunaceramics@gmail.com for a product list.

Images by Lisa herself, Miranda Porter (@mirandaporterphoto) and the VanillaFood archives

BUY WELL, BUY LOCAL AND KEEP IT FOR LIFE

The Earthy Tones and Simplicity of Luna Ceramics