I have developed a strong passion for the raw and rustic nature of RAKU and ALTERNATIVE firing however in the extreme seem to be heavily influence by the fine dramatic simplicity of the Oriental Style Art forms. I combine both where possible along with the introduction of mixed media. What I find fascinating about ceramics is that it has such a huge variety of disciplines from which to choose and explore, requiring different areas and levels of expertise. What I love about Raku, Naked Raku, Saggar and Pit firings are their close interaction with nature and the elements; the fact that the artist has so much physical input and influence throughout most of the process and that the final results are almost instantaneous. With the serendipitous nature of the firing and the treatment in reduction, you can always expect unique one off pieces. The risk of breakage however is very high due to “extreme thermal shock”. There are no set rules as such, with plenty of scope for experimentation and room to put your own stamp on varying outcomes. We remain the eternal student...learning how "not to be too precious about our pieces" which in turn allows us to experiment, learn and grow. We are not in control, but part of the process and limited only by our imagination.
ART TUITION:
1982 Carine Technical College Sculpture
2005 Perth Studio Potters Basic introduction to pottery
2013 July – Raku Course in Tuscany (Sorano -Italy) Raku, Naked Raku, Bucchero, Pit Firing
with Mara Funghi
2015 June- Master Class in Tuscany (Comano – Italy) Raku, Naked Raku, Surface Treatments,
Resist techniques, and development of own personal ceramic language. with David Roberts
JOINT EXHIBITIONS:
2007 - Perth Studio Potters Biennial Selective Exhibition
2008 - PSP Grand Opening Burt St Gallery Exhibition
2009 - PSP Biennial Selective Exhibition
2011 - PSP Biennial Selective Exhibition
2011 - Mazenod College Art Exhibition
2012 - Perth College Art Exhibition
2012 - Mazenod College Art Exhibition
2013 - PSP Biennial Selective Exhibition ... “Highly Commended Award”
2013 - Hale Art Exhibition
2013 - Mazenod College Art Exhibition
2013 - Joint Exhibition 3 Ceramists, 1 Painter “4 OF US”
2014 - Ceramics Arts Association WA Internet Exhibition
2014 - Hale Art Exhibition
2014 - Mazenod College Art Exhibition
2014 - CAAWA Online Exhibition
2014 - Joint Exhibition "3 PLUS 3" ... 3 Ceramists, 3 Painters
2015 - Perth College ArtExhibition
2015 - Churchlands College Art Exhibition
2015 - PSP Central Park Exhibition
2015 - CAAWA Biennial Selective Exhibition ... “Highly Commended Award”
2015 - Hale Art Exhibithion
2015 - Mazenod Art Exhibition
I prefer to work in a semi sculptural field of one off pieces as opposed to the disciplined utilitarian production of pottery. Sculptural work I find has fewer boundaries and limited only by your imagination and adventurous spirit. It can be a contrived structural piece, a captured moment in time, or an emotion released and expressed in clay.