Australian porcelain - what a diverse range of practice now exists. This issue showcases just some of the ceramic artists who are exploring the potential of this exquisite material. Works that are at once luminous, powerful, elegant, refined, tactile. These are objects that reach across the divide between maker and user, always maintaining traces of the maker's touch and the esssence of the original unfired material - the finest, softest, porcellaneous clay. Through the alchemy of fire this becomes a strong, glass-like material that has proved itself impervious to the effects of time and wear. At the same time it is imbued with an aura that is both fragile and precious.

We now have most of the major clay makers in Australia producing their own porcelain bodies - a fact that gives ceramists huge choice when working - a choice of throwing properties, colour, fired surface properties. This has certainly played its part in the increased number of ceramic artists working in this specialist area. Enjoy the results of their explorations and skill.

As I mentioned in my last editorial, this will be my last issue as editor after 10 years. I am pleased to announce that Tricia Dean will be the new editor. We had a number of skilled people apply for the position and I thank them for their interest. Tricia Dean is well respected as a ceramic artist and teacher in Sydney and is therefore well connected in the area of ceramics. She will bring a new energy and new perspective to the magazine and I am delighted to pass 'my baby!' onto someone so well qualified for the job.

What now? I hope to go back to my own work and be able to find a small corner for my own creative development without my head swimming with the cleverness and creative solutions of others. I shall also, maybe, explore the gypsy in me - Vietnam remains a passion!

I shall continue teaching ceramics and I hope to find other ways to contribute to the promotion of Australian ceramic art. I have met so many exceptional people through my time as editor and it has been a priviledge to have such great support from so many. Support from ceramic artists of enormous talent, established in their field and yet still generous with time and knowledge to help others; and emerging artists who, despite all the focus needed to create new work and to create their place, have likewise shared their time and knowledge.

I take with me many memories of great times, great hospitality, great generosity and, of course, a house full of ceramics purchased over the years of attending exhibitions and visiting studios! However, now it is time for another adventure - whatever that may be.

Thanks to readers, contributors and advertisers whose support is so valuable; our designer Natalie Bowra who always adds that extra creative touch to each issue, and the committees and Presidents of The Australian Ceramics Association over the last ten years.

To everyone I wish a special time at Christmas with family and friends - a time to renew the creative energies that enrich our lives.