Natalie Cootes, also known as Drift Ceramics, is a ceramic artist who resides between the Mornington Peninsula and South Gippsland. With a passion for clay that spans over a decade, Natalie's journey into the world of ceramics began after a trip to Japan, where she fell in love with the art of Japanese ceramics.

To learn this age-old craft Natalie attended community pottery classes and embarked on numerous short courses in Melbourne, London, and Copenhagen. These experiences have greatly influenced her artistic style, particularly her fascination with nature, especially seascapes and the intricate patterns found in landforms such as coral, rocks and lava.

Natalie's creative process incorporates hand-building techniques, including coiling, carving, and slab work with various stoneware clay bodies. Her glazes are meticulously layered, and multiple firings are conducted to achieve highly individualised results. The end products reflect both oceanic and natural hues, with textures that beckon to be touched. Natalie's work reflects a deep connection to the ocean, capturing its fluidity, textures and colours.

Driven by a desire to create pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, Natalie incorporates elements of nature into both decorative and functional objects. Her creative process is deeply meditative, often involving long periods of quiet contemplation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible with clay, continuously experimenting with new techniques and materials.

As a ceramicist, Natalie has been recognised through various achievements, including being awarded at various Art Shows, exhibiting at Little Oberon Gallery, Fish Creek as well as the prestigious @1000 Vases in Paris. Her work has also been commissioned by renowned businesses such as Peninsula Hot Springs and Endota Spa.