Welcome to the Journal
This is where I share little glimpses of life at Villa Rustica—stories from our days as makers, the workshops we host, and the magic we experience living on the North Coast of NSW.
Greg, a passionate clay enthusiast, and I—mosaic art is my medium—both work from our studios here on the property. Our days are spent creating, tending to the gardens and chickens, and soaking in the beauty and stillness of this special place we’re lucky to call home.
Sculpture for Mosaic Workshop
A weekend of learning sculpture with visiting artist, Caitlin Hepworth, is the highlight of our year!
Spirit Totem Workshop
Our recent Spirit Totem workshop with artist Sue Isherwood was a great success. Here are some photos from this creative weekend.
On the Mud Trail
We had the most amazing weekend welcoming hundreds of visitors to Villa Rustica on this year’s Mud Trail.
Firing the wood-fired kiln
“I was surprised how it’s such a primal process and so different from flicking the switch on an electric kiln. Wood-firing is the alchemy of fire and clay and the results are unpredictable as the clay is marked by the path of the flame.”
Mosaic Workshop
Here’s a recap of the amazing projects made by students in our Garden Mosaic Workshop. The students were given the choice to decorate a birdbath or design a stepping stone…
Garden Mosaic Workshop
Join us for a fun and creative Garden Mosaic Workshop where you’ll learn to make a beautiful mosaic for your garden.
Spirit Totem Pole Workshop
Create your own personalised clay totem pole in a two-day workshop under the tutorage of experienced ceramicist, Susan Isherwood.
Focus on Form Workshop
Caitlin Hepworth encourages students to think differently about sculptural mosaic where the form is as important as the mosaic.
Mosaic Coptic Crosses
Making a mosaic cross is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle. After deciding on the design and colour combination, I lay a mass of gold tiles face-up on a tray.
Our favourite wedding suppliers
Although we are no longer hosting weddings at Villa Rustica, we are excited to recommend some wonderful suppliers we’ve worked with over the years.
Pottery Studio & Gallery
Exciting news! We now have a gallery at Villa Rustica displaying our ceramics and mosaics.
Chasing Unicorns
Chasing Unicorns is a local label celebrating individual style with vintage-inspired clothing. See how they used our space during their recent photoshoot.
Rachel & Steven’s Micro Wedding
What do you do when your plans for a French chateau wedding are derailed due to Covid-19? Here is Rachel and Steven’s story.
A Stroll of the Mosaics at Villa Rustica
The rendered walls and tropical gardens at Villa Rustica offer endless opportunities for decorating with mosaic.
Making for Community
Greg chooses to work as a sole practioner yet he stays connected to the wider community by participating in local events and charities. Here’s how these events influence his art practise.
From Villa to Wellness Centre…
In May this year, just as Australia was grappling with the coronavirus, a location scout knocked on our door to see if we would consider renting Villa Rustica as a location set.
Eloping at Villa Rustica
With the demand for intimate weddings increasing due to Covid-19, we have begun opening our doors for couples to get married in the romantic surrounds of Villa Rustica.
Kumquats 3 Ways
Kumquats are polarising – people either love or hate them! I’ve been experimenting with recipes to make the most of this versatile – and often underappreciated - citrus fruit.
Greg’s Story
Every potter comes to clay a different way and mine started with a series of misadventures.
Upcoming Art Workshops
Our plan to hold small artisan workshops throughout this year has temporarily been put on hold due to the situation surrounding COVID-19.