The name Gordon is synonymous with pottery in Australia, but Sam Gordon is determined to put a fresh spin on this revered family tradition. “Growing up, I was always around clay. I was never far away from it, and it’s been a constant in my life. I love it,” says Sam, reflecting on his roots. Yet, there comes a time in every artist’s life when they need to forge their own path and imprint their own signature on the canvas of their craft.
Drawing inspiration from the legendary potters of Japan and the aesthetic charm of Scandinavian pottery, each of Sam Gordon’s creations pays tribute to his commitment to preserving the organic vitality of clay. This is motivated by his close proximity to the rugged terrain of a Victorian national park. But what truly sets Sam apart in a world inundated with mass-produced ceramics? “Emotion,” he says simply. “I don’t look at trends and fashion, which seems crazy.” “Each piece is birthed on the pottery wheel where my thumbprint is on the rim,” speaking to his profound connection to his craft and traditional approach, foregoing modern tools like CAD files or 3D printers.
Sam understands the nuanced role that a piece of pottery plays in the world of hospitality. Beyond aesthetics, it’s about connection, sharing, and storytelling. When you dine, whether it’s at an inviting pub, hotel, or a high-end restaurant, the plate isn’t just a vessel. It’s part of the narrative. Enter ‘Pottr by Sam Gordon’, a ceramic collection that’s just as much about the essence of hospitality as it is about its form and function, expounding upon his passion to support chefs and restaurateurs. “The Pottr collection is a canvas; it’s designed for sharing and is a tool for the chef. I see it as a bridge between the culinary arts and the guests.” Delving deeper into his design approach, Sam suggests, “With the clay body, I always like to expose a section with no glaze, so you truly feel the texture. The glaze I use is clear, and very occasionally, I like to add a small stroke of a bright colour for contrast.” This meticulous attention to detail showcases not only the tactile nature of the pottery but also serves as ‘functional art’ – that is to say, it’s constructed to be admired aesthetically while withstanding the rigours of frequent use.
His love for craftsmanship and innovation found an ally in Chef’s Hat, an Australian icon in the hospitality industry. Recognising the aligning values between his collection and their longstanding clout within Australia’s food and beverage scene, Sam felt that Chef’s Hat was the fitting platform to introduce ‘Pottr by Sam Gordon’ to the landscape of Australian dining. “How can I go past Chef’s Hat? They’re iconic. Everyone knows them,” he shares. “Their location, outstanding sales team, strong reputation, even their showroom – there’s nothing like it in the country. It felt right to have them look after my brand,” adds Sam, underlining this pivotal partnership where ‘Pottr’ finds its exclusive home at Chef’s Hat for diners across the nation to enjoy.
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