Todd Beatson

Potter & Studio Director of Byron School of Clay

Byron School of Clay was founded by artist and teacher Todd Beatson who grew up on the Central Coast, NSW. After completing university he wanted to do something with his hands and joined the Slow Clay Centre in Collingwood, Melbourne. Under the tutelage of Jane Sawyer, Todd became a studio technician and began teaching classes to adults & children.

Todd moved to Northern Rivers in 2016 and launched Byron School of Clay as an entry-level pathway into ceramics, giving people the same opportunity to learn and fall in love with the craft as he had. photo credit: Jules Hunt.

I am drawn to the narrative of things we use in our everyday lives, from the cups we drink out of, to the objects we display and take pride in.

Todd has a Master of Teaching from Melbourne University.

Nicholas Hannah

Potter & Teacher

Nick has been working in ceramics since 2012, switching from a photography career after discovering the joy of clay. He studied under Jane Sawyer at Slow Clay in Melbourne, and spent some time at the National Art School in Sydney before working closely with a number of mentors, including Prue Venables, Chester Nealie, and Sandy Lockwood.

Nick’s work is inspired by a love of useful objects, the search for an essential beauty, and the breath of the sea. Teaching pottery offers an opportunity to share the deep connections that clay creates, with the world and within our daily rituals.

I believe that through thoughtful, handcrafted objects we can have a deeper engagement with the world around us. My greatest hope is to encourage moments of quiet contemplation and joy while you go about your daily life.