AT AGE 60, after a lifetime working as an artist in paint, photography and installation, Helen Fuller enrolled in a beginners' pottery course.

That was in 2009, and she was taught how to make pinch pots and roll coils of clay.

The experience proved life-changing.

She now works predominantly in clay and views her hand-built forms as 3D canvases to paint with underglaze, oxides and porcelain slip.

Her work "Distilled life" was acquired at the 29th Gold Coast International Ceramic Award 2014.

Of working in the ceramic medium, Helen says: "I think potters are happier than painters. When I paint, I get into a head space - I tend to think too much.

"It's different working with clay. Perhaps it's because I am using my hands.

"The pots overall are more domestic but they're slightly useless because they're not glazed.

"Really, I'm just making forms to see what happens. When I step back and look at them, I'm reminded of a museum with relics from antiquity."

The 30th Gold Coast International Ceramic Art Award opens on August 27.