People: Rachel Charge
Name: Rachel Charge (she/her)
Location: Wurundjeri Country / Melbourne East
Occupation/Creative Practice: Mother, Ceramic Artist, Creative.
Who makes up your family? Myself, my husband James, our daughter Peach and our furbabes Ruby, Gelfling and Luna.
What core principles / values inform your work? The roots of my practice reflect a slower, more thoughtful way of living with organically formed and purposefully hand-built ceramics blending everyday function and rituals with art. Each piece is slowly created using earthy, textured clays and intuitively glazed by hand using a simple palette. I hope that my work evokes a sense of connection from earth to hands, inspiring conscious moments of pause.
What are you currently working on ? I am currently working on tumblers, teacups and mugs (always) for somebeautiful new stockists as well as some things in the background that I hope to share with the world one day!
What daily practices or rituals connect you with your centre? The simple things really - mindful breath and movement, sipping warm cups of chai from handmade vessels, nourishing food, warm baths, reading and breastfeeding our daughter. Having my hands in clay is also incredibly grounding for me and a key practice in my life although not one that occurs every day at this point in time.
What does community mean to you? There is a beautiful connection between community and handmade as well as community and motherhood. This support, collaboration and sharing goes beyond time and space. It’s something you can’t always feel with you hands but you know in your heart. Community is everything and more than I could possibly put into words. I’m so incredibly grateful for everyone I connect with on this journey.
How does community care and self-care intersect for you? I think there is a true sense of nourishment you can feel from your village or community around you. That doesn't have to be in the literal sense either. Sometimes it's simply energy, a smile, words of encouragement or support that can mean so much to your day and spirit. The little things are self-care and community care really. We are all connected.
How has motherhood/parenthood impacted your identity? My identity since becoming a mother or even since our journey to parenthood has become much more raw. I see the world differently now. It's somehow more beautiful and yet more complex than ever before. It has made me vulnerable in a way that I have never known and also stronger than I have ever known. It's both magical and frightening. I think as humans we are always growing and changing which is one of the most beautiful parts of life but the concept of matrescence is something that resonates so much for me yet I can’t quite put my finger on it either. It’s the most beautiful and monumental energetic shift that feels much more profound than I could have anticipated.
What is something you are proud of? Putting myself out there in my own way, following my own flow and trusting my intuition especially as a mother. These are things I work on every day.
My cup is full when... I feel connected to my inner self - meaning that I listen, trust and fuel myself in ways that feel good to me. Quality time with James, Peach and our loved ones fills me up mixed with a little me time, studio time and time in nature.
I'm grateful for... My husband, our daughter, our family and friends. I’m grateful for the little things and moments in life. The everyday. I’m grateful for everything life teaches us.
Where can we find you? I would love to connect with you all! Find me and my work at: rachelaceramics.com.au and @rachelcahrgeceramics
24.08.2021
Image credit: Cover photo by Bree Morgan.
