Still - Tara Shackell

Could it be hewn from stone? What critical differences mark Tara Shackell's work in comparison to the many vessels being made in Melbourne using matt glazes over iron bearing clay?

Shackell acknowledges the primary referent of these glazes: the texture and colouring of stone. To reflect the vagaries of nature found in basalt, marble or slate, Shackell has created a nuanced palette of colouring. Catching my eye is the subtle rose quartz that blooms across the cylinder in the first image. 

Another point of difference is Shackell's nod to historic and universal vessel forms. A cylinder, bowl or a fluted bottle securely reside in this makers craft. Form is important to Shackell and she entitles her work with descriptors of what you see. Titles include 'Flared rim vase, deep pink' and 'Tall curved rim vase, iron grey'

I imagine, Gwyn Hanssen Pigott looking down and giving a wink of praise at Shackell's careful attention to the formal issues required in small grouping and in the larger nine piece panorama. Height, colour, lightness, darkness, opening & foot are in 'still' harmony. 

6-28 May 2017

Mr Kitly, Brunswick

mrkitly.com.au

Two

Pottery by graduating Holmesglen Students

Alison Frith & Jessica Rae

Guild of Objects

November 2015

Snuck into this show early and Ali & Jess graciously allowed me to poke around.

Very impressive, consolidated work from these young graduates. Both potters work with an earthy palette as is the  current trend and use stoneware clay and glazes.

Jess' pillow vessels are industrial in form but softly domestic in scale with gently curving rims. Tricky making here; joining and inner and an outer form so seamlessly.

Ali really wows with her volcanic glazes. She reigns-in the eruption by containing this bubbling fury to the lids of perfectly restrains cylinders. The lunar-like effects balance harmoniously with her choice of satin glaze. I would love to see some wilder, deeper pits & holes on future work. 

It is devastating to hear that Holmesglen TAFE is closing its course when the diploma turns out talented and energetic potters as these Two.

Alison Frith installing at Guild of Objects first exhibition

Alison Frith

Alison Frith

Alison Frith

Jessica Ray

Jessica Rae

IRL: Tess, Jess & m8s

Mr Kitly

6 - 22 March 2015

As the title of this exhibition makes clear; this is a matey collection of handmade objects. 

The seemingly ad hoc arrangements reveal perfectly formed vignettes as one roams around the middle gallery of Mr Kitly.

M8s, matches & rhyming names all add to the sense that the maker may indeed be one entity rather than a gathering (irl) of potters, jewellers, photographers, assemblers, painters & drawers.

IRL is a breath of fresh , tangy air & I envy those who had the great fun of plinth & shelf-scaping these raw & engaging objects.

IRL are: Mr Kitly, Jessilla Rogers, Seb Brown, Tessy M King, Gussie Vinall Richardson, Elise Sheehan, Niamh Minogue

For more #irltessjessandm8s

Mr Kitly

Vessel a Ceramics Victoria Exhibition @ Herring Island

The punt across the Yarra River

It’s always a treat to make the pilgrimage across water to Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park, a 3.2 hectare artificial island constructed in the Yarra River adjacent to South Yarra and Richmond. https://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=17877#.Uy-Ip9wkXqA

The location makes this year’s Ceramics Victoria members’ exhibition even more appropriate. Entitled Vessel, Ceramics Victoria member works fall into three loose categories:

 1. The vessel which looks at the formal qualities of volume, weight, balance between foot & rim.

Maria Pribaz, Pilbara - Contemplation
The eloquent combination of simple vessel and decoration.

Lene Kuhl Jakobsen, Allusive Landscape,
a tranquil grouping.

David Kerr, Bowls of Thought
A geometric balancing act with a delightful row of throw cups across the back of this sculpture.

2. The vessel as a hollow container, one that has a long history linked to domestic ceramics use.

Sandra Bowkett, Shards From Latitude-37.117035, longitude 145.133412
Here remnant and recovered vessels and assembled in categories encourages us to ponder on their long lost utility and form.

Amanda Christians, Treading Water
This earthy vessel recalls functional indigenous water carriers
Amanda has won the 2014 Herring Island Summer Arts Festival Prize
http://www.herringislandfestival.org.au

3. The vessel as means of transporting and travelling on water

Ann Ferguson, Vessel@doc.com
 This freighter is laden metaphorical possibilities, from Australia's reliance on imported goods to the MV Tampa rescue of Hazara refugees in 2001

Hedley Potts, Seven Dawns Swarmed at Sea
is a poetic interpretation of people at sea

John O'Loughlin, Vessel for Hope? What Makes It Go Series Has a sensitive empathy for and the trepidation of refugees and migration