Surf-Inspired Ceramics with Damion
Slow down and work with clay alongside surfer and ceramic artist Damion on the north coast of New South Wales, steps from the ocean. Learn coil building, slab work, and the sgraffito technique, guided by a practice rooted in surf culture and coastal life. In his studio by the sea, discover a new way of seeing the world and telling stories in clay.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1410
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $600
Accommodation
- One Guest
- USD $500
- Additional guest(s)
- USD $190
Meet the Artist
Damion is an Australian ceramic artist and surfer based on a farm near an excellent point break on the north coast of New South Wales. A passionate amateur surf historian and collector of vintage surfboards, his work celebrates the golden era of surfing in the early 1970s, especially in Hawaii, California, and Australia.
Working with fine white stoneware, Damion builds large vessels using coils and hand-rolled slabs. He decorates them with a cobalt slip he makes himself, then uses sgraffito to carve sharks, fish, solitary figures, and other maritime subjects into the surface before firing. His forms also incorporate design elements from classic surfboards, particularly the iconic single-fin pintail shape that was prevalent in the 1970s.
His ceramics capture the eccentric personalities, carefree lifestyle, and sense of freedom that defined this period, while contemporary materials and firing techniques keep the work timeless and modern. In Damion’s studio, you’ll slow down and tell your own story in clay, with the ocean never far away.
Working with fine white stoneware, Damion builds large vessels using coils and hand-rolled slabs. He decorates them with a cobalt slip he makes himself, then uses sgraffito to carve sharks, fish, solitary figures, and other maritime subjects into the surface before firing. His forms also incorporate design elements from classic surfboards, particularly the iconic single-fin pintail shape that was prevalent in the 1970s.
His ceramics capture the eccentric personalities, carefree lifestyle, and sense of freedom that defined this period, while contemporary materials and firing techniques keep the work timeless and modern. In Damion’s studio, you’ll slow down and tell your own story in clay, with the ocean never far away.
VAWAA Includes:
- Learn hand-building techniques, including slab building and coil-built vessels.
- Decorate with colored slip and explore sgraffito, carving designs directly into the clay.
- Explore how Damion translates surf culture, maritime life, and vintage board shapes into ceramic form.
- Move through the full ceramic process, from building and bisque firing to glazing and final firing.
- Option to catch waves with Damion through a beginner lesson or a sessions at a local break. Or hike Yarrahapinni Mountain or walk along Forster Beach, letting the landscape inspire your creative process.
- In your free time, you can self-explore paddle stand-up boards, join a yoga session, play lawn bowls at the local club, or take a surf trip to Crescent Head, one of the world’s most famous surf breaks about an hour away.
- For month-long sessions, Damion can arrange to display your finished collection at a local art gallery.
Stay at Damion's
Stay in a newly built two bedroom beach bungalow set high among the trees in Scotts Head, just a short walk from the beach, local cafes, and the studio where you will be creating each day. The house overlooks a river forest of she-oaks and has two queen-sized bedrooms, a full kitchen, laundry, bathroom, high-speed Wi-Fi, and Smart TVs. From the deck, you can hear the ocean waves breaking nearby.
The large open-air deck catches all day sun and light ocean breezes, with an outdoor lounge, dining table, and gas BBQ, a perfect place to unwind after a day in the studio. Guests are welcome to prepare their own meals in the fully equipped kitchen, with a small supermarket in town for essentials and three cafes and restaurants within walking distance. There is a single set of stairs to access the accommodation. Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access. Off street parking is available for guests with a rental car.
The large open-air deck catches all day sun and light ocean breezes, with an outdoor lounge, dining table, and gas BBQ, a perfect place to unwind after a day in the studio. Guests are welcome to prepare their own meals in the fully equipped kitchen, with a small supermarket in town for essentials and three cafes and restaurants within walking distance. There is a single set of stairs to access the accommodation. Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access. Off street parking is available for guests with a rental car.
Explore Scotts Head, New South Wales
Damion’s studio is in Scotts Head, a small coastal village on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, halfway between Sydney and Brisbane. With golden beaches, excellent surf, and a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere, it has some of Byron Bay’s appeal while remaining quieter and less discovered. The studio sits just 500 metres from the beach and backs onto a nature reserve, where you’ll work with clay on the outdoor deck surrounded by native birds. Days might begin with a walk along the shore or a swim in the Pacific before settling into the rhythm of the studio. Beyond Scotts Head, the region opens into rainforest, rivers, and national parks, including nearby Gaagal Wanggaan National Park for kayaking and birdwatching. The world-famous surf break at Crescent Head is also just an hour’s drive away.
Additional Details
The best months to visit Scotts Head are March to May and September to November, when the weather is warm and the town is quieter. December to February brings long, sunny days and excellent surf, but it is also the busiest time of year. June to August is mild and peaceful, with cooler days and occasional rain.
This VAWAA can be extended for up to 30 days. Please ask when you send your booking request.
Children when accompanied by a guardian, as well as elders and people with special needs, are welcome to participate. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access.
Damion speaks English.
This VAWAA can be extended for up to 30 days. Please ask when you send your booking request.
Children when accompanied by a guardian, as well as elders and people with special needs, are welcome to participate. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access.
Damion speaks English.