Michael (Mike) Pugh (Australia) ceramics

Michael Pugh is a self-taught Australian potter who has been creating beautiful and distinctive pottery for over 40 years. He is based in Buderim, Queensland, on the Sunshine Coast.

Australian potter Michael Pugh was born in Sydney in 1948 and began his career in advertising. He later moved to London, where he continued to work in advertising before becoming interested in pottery. In 1970, he and his wife moved to Buderim, Queensland where they set up a pottery studio. Pugh is a self-taught potter and has learned his skills through experimentation and practice. He is known for his wood-fired ceramics, which are often inspired by the natural world. He creates a wide range of pottery, including tableware, one-off pots, blossom jars, lamp bases, tiles, platters, handmade basins, and big bowls. His work is often characterized by its vibrant colours and bold designs.

Pugh has exhibited his more... work extensively throughout Australia and internationally. He has also been featured in numerous publications, including Vogue Living, Australian House & Garden, and Pottery in Australia. In addition to his own work, Pugh is also a teacher of pottery to people of all ages and skill levels. He is also a member of the Australian Potters' Society and the Sunshine Coast Potters' Association.

In 2008, Pugh was invited to join the Khmer Ceramic Revival Conference in Siem Reap and visited the Angkor Temple complex. This experience had a profound impact on his work and he has since incorporated many Cambodian influences into his pottery.

Pugh is a passionate advocate for the use of sustainable materials and practices in pottery and sources his clays locally and uses wood-fired kilns, which are more environmentally friendly than gas or electric kilns. less...