In late 2021 Dannielle attended a short course in pottery at her local ceramics studio, Castlemaine Clay. By January 2022 she had her own pottery wheel and a rudimentary studio in her garage. Most potters say they were hooked on clay from their first experience of muddy hands, even by these standards Dannielle’s journey has been speedy.
Still working out of her garage studio, although a little better equipped these days, Dannielle makes pottery that is colourful, feminist, fun and powerful. Inspired by courageous women including Julia Gillard, Jane Austin and Kirsha Kaechele, Dannielle’s work is unapologetically political, delivered with joy, humour, skill, and a metaphorical sledge hammer.
Dannielle’s cups, plates, vases and other functional items are designed to be used. She designs, tests and creates items that are a comfort in the hand, that rest easily, and can become part of a delightful everyday ritual.
This functionality and strength of purpose is often juxtaposed with symbols of femininity (flowers, circles, the colour pink) through this Dannielle shows us that women can be both strong and girly, angry and feminine, skilled and womanly. Her work is for women, for feminists, and aims to break down the stereotypes so often associated with the female body, gender stereotypes, heteronormative ideals, and the political structures that support these outdated paradigms.
Through her pottery Dannielle is an activist for women's rights, something she didn’t know how to be before she found her craft. In many ways pottery has given her the language and the opportunity to advocate and promote the values she has long held.
Dannielle exhibits her work in regional Victoria and attends numerous markets where she is able to engage directly with her audience and further demonstrate her passion for pottery.