Meet Not Yet Perfect

When Lucy Aboyage’s friend encouraged her to go to a wheel throwing pottery class in 2016, she had no idea the life change it would spark. Lucy sat behind the pottery wheel and instantly fell in love with this mindful art form and how it allowed her to completely switch off.

This newfound passion for pottery inspired a significant change—she resigned from her job as an at-risk youth teacher to start her own ceramic studio, Not Yet Perfect. Her vision? To create a welcoming space where everyone, especially adults, can experience creativity, community and conversation through the therapeutic art of pottery.

What started with a humble pottery workshop around her dining table quickly evolved into a meaningful, full-time business. Lucy now offers a variety of ceramic classes in her warm and intimate pottery studio in Perth’s charming suburb of Applecross. Filled with hanging plants and clay-splattered pottery wheels, it’s the perfect space for you to unwind, get messy and have fun making imperfect ceramics, no matter your experience.

Not Yet Perfect is an ode to…

“My initials, Nana- Yaa Pomaa aka Lucy. The name came to mind one day and it just stuck. I also quickly realised how fitting it was given my mission to help people break free from the cycle of perfection.”

Step inside my studio and…

“Create, play and connect with your childlike self. There are no deadlines or expectations, just come in as you are and express yourself freely and authentically.”

My top tip for beginner potters is…

“Just start, get messy and play. I love running kids' classes as it reminds me, even after all these years, to enjoy the process. Kids are fearless, they aren't afraid of the mess and they fully express themselves and their creativity in such a joyful way.”

Working with clay can help you to…

“Slow down and see beauty in places we'd otherwise miss. It can also help you to be in your body, fully present, aware and completely immersed in the wonder that is you.”

Pottery is great for perfectionists…

“Because it earnestly reminds us that we are not and never will be and that in itself is the perfect thing about it. Any mistake just reminds us that we are human and can begin again.”

The best lesson I’ve learnt from a student is…

“If I were to choose one, it would be working with one of our eldest potters who was 94 who taught me to never grow too old to play.”