“I feel happy every time I drive into the car park”.
Monte Lupo Arts is Fiona Sennett’s ‘happy place’.
As a busy lawyer, Fiona says the workshops at Monte Lupo’s Arts Studio allow her to switch off, relax and be creative.
“The pottery making is completely different to my day job, and I feel happy every time I drive into the car park,” she said.
“When I'm working with the clay all I think about is what is in front of me.”
A long-time supporter of Monte Lupo Arts, Fiona’s first workshop was back in 2016. She’s since taken part in more than 15, ranging from small animal planters to large garden dwellers.
“My first workshop was about seven years ago, and we made garden dwellers,” Fiona said. “I loved rolling out the clay and then bringing my lady to life – she has a lovely face and is holding a red heart. I have her in my lounge room and she makes me smile every day when I see her.”
Fiona has kept all her creations except for one.
“I only gave away one head planter as a present. The rest I like too much, so I keep all of them. They are in my house, in my garden and even in my office at work.”
Along with making her own pieces at the workshops, Fiona has also bought ‘quite a few pieces’ from the Monte Lupo Café and Gallery.
“They brighten up my house and garden,” she said.
Fiona is currently working on a small wall mermaid and is already enrolled in the large garden dweller, jardiniere (planter) and bird bath workshops later this year.
“My dad has done a few workshops with me as well as my friend. They are also enrolled with me for the ones later this year,” Fiona said.
“I like working with clay and being at Monte Lupo’s studio surrounded by all their pieces being worked on and pottery equipment. All of the ladies who take the classes are wonderful too."
“Monte Lupo is my happy place.”