Artists combine talents for exhibition

A NEW exhibition at Living Arts Space at the Bendigo Visitor Centre opened last week and it’s showcasing an array of 3D clay works. 

Bendigo Crafted will display the collaborative work of jewellery maker Froni Binns and potter Garry Bish until 19 November. 

The artists come from different backgrounds with Bish a 53-year-long history as a potter, and Binns only recently getting back into art after a break lasting about 25 years. 

“I thought, well, we’re so different that as a collaboration it could be very interesting,” said Bish. 

It was the duo’s first time working together said Bish, and they learnt a lot from each other. He taught her more about 3D modelling, while Binns taught him about nerikomi. 

“Nerikomi is where I build patterns in the body of the clay, so rather than painting or putting a glaze on the surface, I mix a pigment stain through the clay and then I build solid pattern blocks with the colour through it,” said Binns. 

“It wasn’t a lot of talk, it was just quiet sort of play.” 

“We both had a bit of new ground to cover,” said Bish. “I found it really good, it was licence to play really, I just played. 

“I have a philosophy that you can’t sit with a pad and a pen and try to draw something, you have to actually get the material and start to make things. 

“And while you’re thinking and while you’ll making, things will happen.” 

Both artists said COVID-19 was the time when making art was a saving grace. Bish was dealing with health issues, while Binns’ time was no longer absorbed with caring for her parents. 

“It’s my driving force,” said Bish. “Clay saved me really.” 

Although they were not sure whether they will join forces again, Bish said the art won’t stop after this exhibition. 

“I think both of us will have things to move onto, because it’s like a continuum,” he said. 

“You keep making, you keep absorbing new things, and whatever happens after that point will take into account those things that you’ve learnt.” 

Both artists also sell their creations on-site at the Visitor Centre’s shop.