Lightning Ridge is world famous for the magnificent black opals it produces.
I first arrived in the Ridge for a couple of days on a touring holiday - and after 36 years, I am still here. I produce pottery from the clay that is home to the unique gem. All my pots are made of clay I dig and prepare from the opal mines. The clay varies in colour from field to field within the mining reserve. The clays are prepared separately, sliced, interleaved, joined together, thrown on the potter's wheel, and faceted.