Meet the Winterwares team – Introducing Ana

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got to be doing what you’re doing?

I'm a Portuguese born, Australian, having migrated to Fremantle at the age of 18 months old. I feel fortunate to have lived in our beautiful environment by the sea, which has always kept me connected to my birthplace of Madeira. There's so much similarity between Funchal and Fremantle, who are in fact Sister-Cities, especially the fishing industry.

My first career was in events planning and by my mid 20s I began working creatively making hats and working for various fashion houses and designers in London. Then fast forward to the end of 2014, I found myself working in a corporate environment where my days were devoid of creativity, which I really missed, so being an extremely tactical personality, I decided to try clay sculpture and was immediately hooked.

Since then, I really can only think in ceramics - I love to think about how things can be made with clay, how it can change an object and how it can enhance the user experience: it's an exciting, never-ending field of possibilities.

What’s your role at Winterwares?

My role at Winterwares is a maker, making all the beautiful, handcrafted ceramics that we are well known for.

Working at Winterwares is like spending a day in a wellness spa surrounded by beautiful friends.

I am also about to start teaching Winterwares pottery classes, I can't wait! I especially love teaching kids, they're so unburdened by expectation, they have such a great time and it's really joyful to see them create with clay. 

What is a simple pleasure or daily ritual that brings you joy?

My biggest daily pleasure is starting my day at the beach – regardless of the season. Being at the ocean at sunrise and diving into the big blue expanse, clears my mind from the previous days events and sets my day up for success – I feel super lucky to be able to start each day this way.

What does your perfect Sunday look like?

My perfect Sunday definitely starts with a leisurely stroll at the dog beach, with hopefully seeing dolphins and schools of fish and sometimes seals frolicking in the water, and then heading up to the grassed area to spend time with our beautiful local community, and have coffee from the van, where they are happy to make my coffee in my favourite Winterwares latté cup.

Name three things you can’t live without.

I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but of course, the beach, beautiful friends and art.

What does slow living mean to you?

Slow living to me, means taking time in my day to be fully present.

What’s your favourite Winterwares product?

My favourite Winterwares product is the Family Bowl; I just love serving delicious meals in it and enjoying the company of good friends and family.