BiographyMy background is multifaceted. There has been a lot of tertiary study, overseas travel and living and relocation.
Memory, history, story, and the connection to place have been long-standing interests that play out in varying ways in my work. Coupled with these, strong childhood memories of the large, flat, red expanses of Central Western New South Wales remind me of the constant presence and relevance of the natural environment throughout my life, and my attraction to form, colour, texture and pattern that reverberate in the differing Australian landscapes.
Brisbane Water, near Koolewong, on the Central Coast of New South Wales, is a source of inspiration and a current influence. This expanse of water captures my interest daily. Although relatively protected, it’s a changing environment; sometimes still and calm, sometimes rocking roughly up and down, other times racing towards the shore. The mangroves rise up around the edges and the sea grass clings to the sandstone rocks. My last bodies of work were inspired by this area. |
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Ceramics is a point of convergence for me, where my past and current experiences and skills meet ideas and future dreams. There’s no forcing of ideas, no indecision, no holding back. My creativity flows freely and spontaneously - the works almost make themselves.
Connecting to clay brings me delight and a hunger for exploration. My curiousity is captured by the many making, surface decoration and firing techniques available to alter the natural state of clay. I delight in the random outcomes from chemical reactions at low temperatures in raku, pit, paper box and sawdust firings. I am also drawn to the natural, earth friendly and unpredictable processes involved in eco-printing and dyeing fabric. Anticipating the results, then uncovering the fired pieces from ash or a steaming bundle from a dye bath is exhilarating and requires much patience. It’s so tempting to uncover the pieces or unwrap the bundles before they’re cool enough.
Bringing together these differing influences and sources of inspiration, and creating concepts that articulate them, continually challenge and excite me.
Connecting to clay brings me delight and a hunger for exploration. My curiousity is captured by the many making, surface decoration and firing techniques available to alter the natural state of clay. I delight in the random outcomes from chemical reactions at low temperatures in raku, pit, paper box and sawdust firings. I am also drawn to the natural, earth friendly and unpredictable processes involved in eco-printing and dyeing fabric. Anticipating the results, then uncovering the fired pieces from ash or a steaming bundle from a dye bath is exhilarating and requires much patience. It’s so tempting to uncover the pieces or unwrap the bundles before they’re cool enough.
Bringing together these differing influences and sources of inspiration, and creating concepts that articulate them, continually challenge and excite me.
SCHOLARSHIPS
- Trudie Alfred Bequest Ceramic Scholarship, The Australian Ceramics Association, 2014
AWARDS
- 1st prize Atmospheric Section, Sydney Royal Easter Show, 2015
- Highly Commended Abstract Sculpture Section, Sydney Royal Easter Show, 2015
- The Port Hacking Art Prize, 48th Port Hacking Art Prize, 2014
- J Steel Australasia Stipend, HarbourSculpture, 2014
- Cobbora Holding Company Prize for Ceramics, Art Unlimited, 2013
- Art2Public Exhibition Award & Art2Public Stipend, Sculpture on the Greens, 2013
- Royal Agricultural Society Medallion for Excellence in Ceramics and Pottery, 2013
- 1st prize Non-Functional Section, Sydney Royal Easter Show, 2013
- 1st prize Atmospheric Section, Sydney Royal Easter Show, 2013
- Student Hand building Award, 47th Port Hacking Art Prize, 2012
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PUBLICATIONS
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ONLINE EXHIBITIONS
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