Gabs Wallington

Why the Central West Feels Like Home

Why I Live, Work & Create in the Central West

I returned to the Central West from the Northern Territory with my three small children, looking for a calm, supportive place to live. I quickly settled into the tranquility here—close to my mum, my sisters, and lifelong family friend – I grew up on a farm near Canowindra.

The Central West is like a mind map of my childhood. Each drive through the countryside brings back memories scattered across the landscape. Now, I’m making new ones with my kids—watching them grow up surrounded by the same warmth and community I had.

Why I Make Pottery Here

This region is full of incredible producers. The farmers and small businesses in Eugowra and Canowindra inspire me to keep making functional pottery. I believe beautiful fresh produce deserves to be served on pottery that quietly complements the food. That’s what I try to create—pieces that feel honest, useful and grounded in the land they come from.

I work with stoneware clay and glazes that reflect the changing colours of the landscape. I throw on a kickwheel—it keeps my back straight and my forms active. My studio is just five metres from my back door, so I move between the house and studio with ease. My twins drift in and out, sometimes making their own creations or switching my music to Michael Jackson.

My Rhythm

Most mornings I walk my eldest to school, then spend the day between the studio and the veggie garden. In summer, I work early before the shed heats up to 45°C, then we swim in the river or a friend’s pool. Winter slows me down, which gives me space to explore new forms and ideas.

We adore the beach and escape there whenever we can. But the Central West is home. It’s like a big town with scenic drives and familiar faces in every direction. People I’ve known my whole life—and people I’ve never met—buy my work and use it in their homes. That keeps me honest in my craft. I always want each piece to be my best.

My Flavour: ChaLou Riesling

My favourite wine is ChaLou’s Riesling. We take it on holidays and special occasions down the coast. It pairs perfectly with mussels cooked in garlic, tomato, and white wine, fresh prawns on handmade pizza and crispy bread with olive oil. They are made complete with this wine! Ding Dong!

Song pairing: “Mi Swing es Tropical” by Nickodemus, Quantic & Tempo.

My Central West Moment

Watching the sunset from the outdoor bathtub. Six sheep and three kids in the paddock. Kangaroos on the lawn, parrots in the trees and a kookaburra on the verandah. Buying all my fruit and veggies from Agostinelli’s in Eugowra. Fresh produce is everything—it’s the groundstone of our life. When the food is good, everything flows.

What’s next

You can join Gabs at a Ceramic Workshop as part of Crafted on 29th Nov. Find out more here.