My Ceramic Journey
Overview
I began my ceramic journey in the late 90’s sort of by accident! The way best things often happen.
I worked for the next 20 years on and off studying under various ceramic artists and masters in Spain, Australia and Italy. I took time in between to travel and explore the world.
Although a painter of female nudes first, over the last years I returned to my passion of ceramics. This saw me build my first ceramic atelier with private gallery, kiln, wheel and all that goes with it. I took part in workshops and local exhibitions to further my knowledge and experience. I was a successful part in the Noosa Open Studios (Australia) for 3 years in a row from 2016 to 2018 (Noosa Open Studios).
I have used most of my time to experiment with different clay bodies, glaze making and blending, and most recently, the ‘crackle’ method through sodium silicate. In addition I’ve worked with a little with raku and wood firing, mixing clay bodies such as groggy clay and porcelain, effects of the same glaze over different clay bodies and currently, single fire. And always trying to improve my wheel throwing!
My passion for ceramics is infinite and there is always much to learn! In 2017 I spent 5 weeks in a bespoke ceramic residency in Tuscany with an acclaimed UK potter as my tutor, as well as renowned Italian sculptor. My journey blissfully continues delving into the world of ceramics, its generous potters and where they come from.
ARTISTS STATEMENT
“We are all cracked pots, perfectly imperfect.”
My Cracked Pots and Dancing Skirts
In today’s world we are continually being compared to (perceived) perfection. I am constantly exploring ways and techniques with my ceramic forms to emulate how perfectly imperfect we humans all are, as are my cracked pots. A lot of feeling, reflection and experimentation goes into the hand creation of every vessel. Each one to some degree reflects my personal inner search.”
ARTISTS BIO
Born in Denmark and raised in Australia, I spent 15 years in southern Spain honing my painting talents of the female nude when I discovered a new passion, working with mud!
I have worked on and off with clay for over 20 years. I am mostly self-taught though I have taken part in many classes and worked one to one with various world class tutors on my extensive nomadic travels. I have studied with ceramic experts in Spain, Denmark, Australia and most recently, in Tuscany Italy during a 5 week ceramic residency with a leading UK potter.
I look at my recent body of ceramic ‘crackle’ vessels, Dancing Skirts, as an ongoing exploration; a combination of self, possibilities with raw materials and inspiration drawn from nature and the natural environment around me. I love nature, trees and critters! So from there comes an innate love of earthy, natural and organic forms as can be seen in my ‘cracked pots’ and ‘dancing skirts’. The very character of clay is its complete unpredictability and I love (and sometimes loathe!) the spirit of clay to always engage and emerge in its own way.
A visual artist for 25 years, clay has taken preference due to its vast versatility and potential. It lets me extend myself in a way I feel is not quite there with painting. Over the past 4 years my work has evolved into perfectly imperfect organic forms reflecting us as humans, by using the ‘crackle’ method. Although mostly contemporary and sculptural I maintain usability with all my creations.
Exhibitions:
1997 – Parador Nerja Spain – Solo
1998 – Sala Bako Torre del Mar Spain – Solo
2000 – Balkon Galeriet Odder Denmark – Group
2001 – Precinct Gallery Berry Australia – Solo
2001 – Forest Gallery Batemans Bay Australia – Group
2001 – Bower House Milton Australia – Solo
2001 – Michael Cummerford Gallery Milton Australia – Group
2002 – Boyds Gallery Sydney Australia – Group
2004 – Galeria de Arte Margetson Nerja Spain – Solo
2007- Cultural Centre Frigiliana Spain – Solo
Feb 2016 – Galeria la Rubia Noosa (ceramics and paintings) Australia – Group
Mar 2016 – Ceramic Centre for Excellence Cooroy Butter Factory Australia – Group
Aug 2016 – Noosa Open Studios (ceramics and paintings) Australia – Solo
Sept 2016 – Royal Queensland Art Society Brisbane Australia – Group
Oct 2016 – Kenilworth Arts Council Australia – Group
Mar 2017 – Bespoke Ceramic Residency Tuscany, Italy
Aug 2017 – Noosa Open Studios (ceramics and paintings) Australia – Solo
Feb 2018 – Noosa Regional Gallery (ceramics) Australia – Group
July 2018 – Ignition Ceramic Exhibition Nambour Australia – Group
Aug 2018 – Noosa Open Studios (ceramics and paintings) Australia – Solo
Oct 2018 – Eclectia Ceramic Exhibition Noosa Australia – Group
Below are examples of my work, the most recent first, from the past 3 years:
