About our staff

Meet the creative force behind the scenes at our pottery haven – a team of passionate artisans and clay enthusiasts who breathe life into every inch of our studio. United by a shared love for the art of pottery, our team is a diverse tapestry of talents, each contributing their unique skills to the collective masterpiece that is Throw Clay Studio. From seasoned potters with hands that mold magic to friendly instructors who guide newcomers with patience and enthusiasm, our team is more than just coworkers; we're a creative family.

With hands covered in clay and hearts brimming with artistic zeal, we come together to foster an environment where everyone, from novice to expert, can thrive. Our studio is not just a workplace; it's a collaborative space where ideas are shared, skills are honed, and the joy of creating is celebrated. So, whether you're looking for guidance, a friendly chat, or just some good vibes amidst the wheels and kilns, our team is here, ready to make your pottery experience as memorable as the pieces you'll create.

Tim Goodman

Sydney born, Tim Goodman made his first pot at university in 1988 and learned his craft as a journeyman production potter in the studio potteries of NSW and QLD.

Always curious for new horizons, Tim moved to Ireland in 1996 setting up his first studio in County Cork where he specialised in large-scale garden ware and smoke fired porcelain.
Irish winters being what they are, Tim travelled extensively through the colder months visiting and working in potteries and studios in Estonia, Vietnam and Hawaii.

In 2004 he moved to Brugge, Belgium where he perfected his work with cast porcelain, and honed his specialty in lighting.

2019 saw Tim bringing his family back to his beloved Northern beaches and opening his own studio bringing together 33 years of ceramics experience, exploration and teaching.

David Chapman

David hails from a distinguished lineage of English potters with his family's pottery legacy began with his mother in the early 1960s.

With over 30 years dedicated to his craft, David relocated to Australia in the 1980s and has contributed to various potteries in New South Wales and South Australia.

Alongside creating and selling his domestic and garden pots, he has discovered fulfillment in imparting his extensive pottery knowledge and skills through teaching.

Lia Alzamora Valdez

Being born into a family of artists and an interior architect by profession, it's no surprise that Lia has an aesthetic and sense of style beyond her years.

A native of Peru, Lia's work is inspired by nature and the human body where she embraces the imperfect proportions and shapes in both her functional ware and sculptural work.

From her years spent in the Peruvian Amazon, Lia remains deeply connected to the women of the native communities as well as to the principle of "anyi", a Quechua word meaning reciprocity, equality and justice. Lia is passionate about the therapeutic value of creativity with clay and sharing her hand-building techniques with those in need of some soul nourishing. 

Jo Vaughan

Originally a Graphic Designer, Jo ventured into her first pottery course in 2017, where she discovered a profound affection for the hands-on, creative processes of wheel throwing and hand-building. In 2020, Jo transitioned into full-time pottery teaching to enthusiastically share her passion for the rewarding challenges of crafting beautiful and functional ceramics.

Over the years, Jo has guided numerous students, spanning from beginners to intermediate levels, facilitating their exploration of the joy derived from hands-on creativity. Witnessing her students break free from overthinking and embrace the tangible aspects of their craft brings her immense satisfaction.

In 2024, Jo is set to elevate her skills with a journey to Japan, where she plans to delve into traditional raku firing techniques. Following this immersive experience, she will return to Australia to continue her ceramics studies and share her enriched knowledge through teaching.

Alessandro Di Sarno

Alessandro is a potter with over a decade of clay-covered experience and a knack for turning earthy materials into objects of beauty. Since 2018, he’s been living his dream as a full-time potter, creating custom tableware that traces the tables of restaurants with a touch of rustic charm and artisanal elegance.


Before clay stole his heart, Alessandro spent 11 years as a chef, a career that honed his eye for form, function, and the perfect glaze whether on a plate or a pastry.

 

Born and raised in the eternal city of Rome, Alessandro traded cobblestones for Australia’s sandy shores, all in pursuit of his other great love—surfing. When he’s not catching waves, you’ll find him at the wheel, including the old-school kick variety, throwing pots with the same rhythm and flow that surfing demands. His work often incorporates wild or foraged clay, and he’s passionate about wood firing and the alchemy of sagar firing.

 

Alessandro’s approach to pottery reflects his deep need to work with his hands, creating pieces that are both unique and aesthetically pleasing. Whether he’s hand-building a sculptural vase or crafting a bowl destined to cradle a chef’s culinary masterpiece, Alessandro imbues his work with a love of imperfection and the simple beauty of life.

Sara Nagamori

Meet our resident nerd. Sara is obsessed with all things pottery and science and if not throwing, casting or hand building, she can usually be found in the glaze lab tweaking the chemistry of one of the studio glazes or concocting something new for the next firing.

Also our pugmill whisperer, Sara keeps our studio humming along, wrangling the endless number of buckets recycling clay and labelling everything (and we mean everything).

If you're keen to talk glaze chemistry or clay, Sara's your girl.