The bulk of Thompson’s days are spent gathering the raw materials — digging up clay from rivers, creeks and road cuttings, and collecting and stacking wood — in the heavy tropical heat.
Next, a carefully selected mix of minerals from across the region is lovingly fermented in a French porcelain bathtub. The matured soft clay lulled into wondrous organic shapes on a simple stick wheel.
Once a year, the completed pots are fired for three days straight with temperatures reaching over 1300°C in a home-made Anagama kiln — a traditional Chinese high temperature wood-fired tunnel kiln.
During the firing, wood ash and volatile salts settle on the clay, and the interaction between flame, ash and minerals creates a rich natural glaze. And as all the clay and wood is sourced locally, Thompson’s works are wholly unique with a distinct provenance and flavour.
Thompson has studied in China and elsewhere, plus he helped make India’s first Anagama kiln. After many years of dedicated experimentation, Thompson has achieved international standing. Overseas students travel to Kuranda to work alongside him, and collectors in the know hunt him down in his hidden studio to pounce on his pots.
But most of all, Thompson’s very own being has been shaped and given lustre in the knowledge — indeed, the hallowed bliss — he is truly living a life well-lived.
A mini film about Thompson has been produced with the assistance of Gemma Deavin, ABC Open producer for Far North Queensland.
ABC Open is an Australian national broadcasting initiative with the objective of showcasing “Real stories made by real people from all around Australia.”
The film can be viewed here.
