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Memory, history, story, and the connection to objects 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, on the Central Coast of New South Wales, is a source of inspiration and a prominent 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. Much of my recent work has been inspired by this area. |
In the Studio, Kylie Rose McLean, 2014. Photo: Artist
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Ceramics is a homecoming for me; a point of convergence, where past and current experiences and skills meet ideas and future dreams. There’s no forcing of ideas, no indecision, no holding back. My creativity is flowing freely and spontaneously - the works make themselves. All that I’ve done is playing out subconsciously in this moment.
The unexpected beauty created from natural materials resonates deeply with me. This renewed connection to clay brings delight and a hunger for exploration. My curiousity is captured by the simple techniques of raku, pit, paper box and sawdust firings, where outcomes are largely left to chance and reliance is on random chemical reactions at low temperatures. 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.
The unexpected beauty created from natural materials resonates deeply with me. This renewed connection to clay brings delight and a hunger for exploration. My curiousity is captured by the simple techniques of raku, pit, paper box and sawdust firings, where outcomes are largely left to chance and reliance is on random chemical reactions at low temperatures. 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.