Celebrating clay in all its forms

CURRENTLY on offer at the Bendigo Art Gallery, discover a variety of unique and historical ceramic artworks within exhibit, RAW: the endless potential of clay.

Displaying works from both contemporary and celebrated artists, curator Clare Needham said the exhibition showcases pieces from across Australia, the Gallery’s permanent collection, and Bendigo Pottery – the nation’s oldest working pottery.

“The RAW exhibition hones in on one creative medium and material showcasing a breadth of contemporary ceramics in conversation with historic items unpacking the variety of practical and artistic uses and applications of clay,” she said.

“Paired back porcelain forms converse with traditional wood fired pieces with notable earthy tones and textured surfaces that reveal the natural and often unpredictable process of their production.

“Featured artists include Australian wood fire potters like Owen Rye and Milton Moon, Shiga Shigeo a Japanese master ceramic artist, Janet Mansfield, and Janet Fieldhouse – a Meriam Mir ceramic artist based in Cairns who uses the medium of clay to express her Torres Strait Islander heritage.”

Since the gold rush, the commoditisation and utilisation of clay within the Bendigo region has been prevalent for artistic purposes.

Ms Needham said that one of the artistic pioneers of the time, George Duncan Guthrie, upon discovering clay found it to be as equally valuable as gold.

“Guthrie and others like him began producing a steady stream of ceramic wares for the growing European settlement of Sandhurst, later Bendigo and beyond,” she said.

“Through the decades Bendigo Pottery manufactured pipes, tiles, bricks, tableware and decorative artware, establishing a significant profile for Australian made ceramics and providing industry experience for many local potters.

“Aside from many historic items made at Bendigo Pottery, there are several pieces in the exhibition by locally-based ceramic artists Su Hanna, Damon Moon and Dennis O’Hoy.”

In addition to utilising the Gallery’s huge ceramic collection and highlighting historical ties, Ms Needham said the exhibition shows off the natural beauty and potential of the material.

“Clay is a fascinating, accessible and changeable medium that has endless application from the domestic to the artistic,” she said.

“Ceramics is having somewhat of a resurgence in the field of art and design, with a growing interest in both modern studio pottery and contemporary innovations and explorations.”

There are only a few days left to see RAW: the endless potential of clay, with the exhibit set to close on 21 March.

For more information visit bit.ly/3b2KjDX.