Real & Utilitarian
Our resident potters work on the principles & philosophy as universal as possible, producing objects that are real & utilitarian. The subtly of the involvement of the finest materials shaped with intense skill can produce basic sensitivity. In a world where skills are being ignored & shunned, we believe in them, not only in the act of producing a better product but in the sheer joy of doing and becoming.
We feel pride in craftsmanship, of doing as perfect a job as possible, of nature's earth elements.
HAPPS HISTORY
Evolved with time
Happs' resonates with pottery collectors & locals as a place where the entire family was busy making pottery. From their small home studio in Vasse (1968) to the bush block in Dunsborough (1976), Happs evolved as a pottery & winery in 1983. Over the years both Erl & Ros Happs managed to run successful production pottery, with their zeal & passion only finding more & more strength. Myles & Jeremey their boys joined the family business as potters and Suzzane equally contributed. Many potters through all these years found their true calling for pottery whilst being a part of the community. Jeremy moved his keen interests towards woodwork & Myles started his own independent pottery studio sometime in 2014.
Approach and Ethos
Nestled among a beautiful vineyard & lovely gardens with a self-tasting cellar door, Commonage Pottery (previously knows as Happs Pottery ) is an ideal studio to immerse oneself among tranquil lessons and a collector's paradise. It's a space that showcases almost all styles of pottery. From Raku Pottery to wood-fired, reduction fired copper reds to crystalline glazes- it is a gallery where pottery is still the core approach. Echoing the ethos of production pottery, Gary Hambleton is busy producing his varied range of functional pottery and to add experiential value to space, Japneet Keith an Industrial designer is successfully running classes along with supporting the production facility. The gallery proudly represents local WA potters, artists, sculptors and also has a working pottery on site.
Ros Happ
Why and How a Potter?
Erl Happ
Why and how a Potter?
Building it together
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