The Journal of Australian Ceramics Vol 53 No 2 July 2014

Promotion
In 1985 Gail Nichols Won the Student Wheel-Thrown section.
Gail Nichols
Bowl. 1985. salt glaze
diam.39cm; student at St George
TAFE
Looking back on my ceramic student days at St George TAFE in Kogarah NSW (J983-fJ5),
I recall Ihe PorI Hacking Potters Competition as an integral parI of the academic year.
and in 1985 I was awarded lSI in the Student Wheel Thrown section/or a large salt glaze
bowl. In subsequent years I received awards for my professional soda-glazed work: 2nd in
Open Wheel Thrown and Decorative Techniques (1992), Winning Entry in Theme Section-­
Colours of Australia (1997), Winning Entry in Open Wheel Thrown and the CESCO Award
(2001). These formed the beginning of the Awards section in early versions of my CV That
list has grown over the years, expanding 10 other national and international compe/ilions,
however the Port Hacking POllers prizes appear at the start, and continue to hold a special
place in my memory.
In 2006 I was invited /0 judge the competition. This was an honour and an
acknowledgement of my career development. It was a pleasure and a challenge to view the
works and to select the winners. I 'd like to think I gave encouragement, especially to the
student enlries, as I had received 21 years before. [ 'm grateful to the dedicated volunteers
in the Pori Hacking Pollers Group who cOnlinue 10 nm a biennial nalioffal competition
and exhibition, promote ceramics in their communi/y, and encourage the endeavours of
emerging artists.
Whether you are a student, an emerging artist, or already experienced If' your
craft, there IS much to be gained by partiCipating in thiS competition.
Entry forms are available by emalling pottersgroup@hotmail.com or call
0407 229 151 . See images of Ihe 2012 COmpeliTlon on our blog,
www.porthackingpotters.blogspot.com.au/ or follow us on Facebook at
https:ll www.facebook.com/porthackingpottersnationalcompetition.
*
THE JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS JULY 2014 77