If you’re looking for a new analogue hobby, a cosy winter pastime, or a fun way to meet new people, we’ve got you covered!
Meet Amber and Maia: former colleagues in architecture who now co-run Studio Dirt, a pottery studio tucked inside an old converted stable in the heart of Hobart’s CBD.
Their journey into clay began unexpectedly.
“We connected over pickles, goats, guinea pigs… and pottery,” they laugh.
Amber had been working with clay for years, searching for a studio space that truly felt right. While working together in architecture, a casual conversation led to the discovery of what they now describe as the “perfect spot.”
“Maia had just opened Watermelon Sundays on Bathurst Street, and we somehow started talking about pottery. Then Maia said ‘Oh, I’ve actually got the perfect spot for a pottery studio.”
The “perfect spot” took a lot of work behind the scenes,
“We did a lot of the building work ourselves. It all happened fairly quickly – it took about five months from that first conversation to opening the doors.”
Clay + community
Both Amber and Maia come from hospitality backgrounds.
“We naturally enjoy hosting people,” Maia says, “It’s a great outlet and a lovely way to meet new people.”
When classes are running, the front gates stay open, and passers‑by often pause to listen.
“You hear laughter coming from inside, and people poke their heads in,” Maia says.
The studio radiates slow, intentional, inherent comfort – the kind of space that encourages connection.
One of the biggest surprises has been watching strangers become friends.
“We’ve seen people from the six‑week course catching up for coffee, booking the same Thursday night sessions… It’s honestly so rewarding to see,” Maia says.
“At our Valentine’s class, people were swapping numbers and organising dinner catch-ups. It’s just a really nice aspect of it”.
Amber adds, “In our architecture jobs, the building process can take years. With pottery, eight weeks from throwing to glazing feels short and strangely rewarding.”
An Analogue Hobby in a Digital World
They’ve noticed a growing appetite for slower, more hands‑on experiences.
“People want to do something that’s more rewarding and lessens their screen time,” Maia says.
After six weeks, participants walk away with pieces that are not only fully functional but also completely one‑of‑a‑kind.
“If you want something perfect, you’d go to IKEA,” Amber says.
What’s on offer at Studio Dirt
Weekend Wheel‑Throwing Taster (2 hrs)
Try the pottery wheel, learn the basics, and keep two pieces.
28 June, 12 July, 26 July, 9 August, 23 August
Wheel, Sip & Snack Night (2.5 hrs)
A fun Friday night with wheel throwing, drinks and snacks.
24 Apr, 5 Jun, 26 Jun, 10 July, 24 July, 7 August, 28 August
Beginner wheel course covering throwing, trimming and glazing.
Next weeknight courses: 16, 23, 30 June; 7, 21, 28 July, 6-8 pm.
Weekend course currently sold out – join the waitlist.
For the Love of Food – Handbuilding
Part 2 – Make a bespoke ceramic garlic grater & herb stripper, dates TBC
Make a bespoke ceramic charcuterie platter.
16 May
Special guided wheel class with bubbles, snacks + two pieces to keep.
9–10 May
Private Functions – Get in Touch!
Team building, birthdays, hens parties, Christmas events – you name it!
Sustainability at the Core
Running a pottery studio comes with surprising logistics.
“We recycle all our clay – not a drop gets wasted,” Amber explains. “Clay deserves a second or even third life.”
Maia adds, “Anything slow and intentional ties into sustainability. Making something from scratch just naturally fits.”
Their equipment is also sourced locally whenever possible.
Their Philosophy
Simple: This is a place to relax, get messy, have fun, eat some delicious snacks, and learn a skill that sticks.
“If you’re going out on a Friday night, maybe start here,” Amber says. “Try something different. Therapy is expensive – pottery is cheaper.”
Studio Dirt welcomes anyone willing to get their hands ‘dirt-ee’ and offers gift vouchers.
Finished pieces are collected from Watermelon Sundays at the front of the building.
In a world that moves a little too fast, Studio Dirt invites you to slow down, make something real, and discover the quiet magic of clay. Book a class and get those hands dirty.
