In the white room

FORM and structure are on display at The Hive Ocean Grove with their annual group ceramics exhibition, this year titled Blanc.

“We discussed the idea of a white-influenced exhibition,” curator, Karen Spreadborough said, “the idea that form is the strength and the standout.”

She said this means the gallery is “working with a more neutral palette,” while the shape of the sculptures is in central focus.

“The artists have really explored texture and gone freely where they wanted to with that theme.”

This year, the exhibition has grown to include works from 11 artists; a combination of local, interstate and international talents.

“I really love supporting regional artists, starting as local as we can,” Spreadborough said, “and it’s also lovely to bring in fresh ideas and new techniques… artists with a point of difference.”

Barwon Heads ceramicist, Sophia Legoe is one of the artists exhibiting in Blanc, and is excited to return for another year.

“Karen creates a great community at The Hive, and that sense of belonging among artists and locals is really special,” she said.

Legoe, who grew up in South Australia, has been involved in ceramics her whole life, however more recently has focused on her work on vases.

“I’ve been drawn back to ceramics and focusing on vessels, especially ones’s designed for flowers,” she said.

Her inspiration comes from all around her, including the beaches she has lived near, and her own garden.

“The sea is my main inspiration, swimming in the ocean, the rock pools and reefs,” she said.

“I also grew up in a beautiful garden… now I’m planing my own flowers and watching them grow through the seasons… that connection keeps finding its way into my ceramics.”

Legoe aims to integrate these places into her work. “I hope the pieces have a sensory quality,” she said, “a sense of place.”

Legoe has a series of works in Blanc including one large piece called Breeze, which she said is “an imagining of what might exist under the water… it’s meant to feel alive, like it could be something swimming or drifting.”

“Having my pieces on display locally gives me a sense of connection,” she said. “It is part of the purpose of making.”

“It’s a long game in art,” Spreadborough said. “The deeper you understand an artist’s practice, the more your appreciation grows.”

“This is an exhibition best seen in person… many pieces are small but incredible in their detail.”

Blanc will be open at The Hive Ocean Grove until 29 March, with an official opening tomorrow (Saturday, 14 March).