Handmade from history

Ballarat creatives showcase unique design.

BALLARAT and surrounds are a beautiful part of the world and the region has been inspiring artistic minds for many generations.

As part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival’s Craft Lab + Design Expo, visitors will be able to explore a curated exhibition of high-quality works and view live demonstrations from 18 different trades, makers and crafters.

Many of the hand-crafted items will also be available to purchase throughout the expo.

Ceramic artist Cassy McArthur will be one of the makers presenting their craft at the expo.

She takes inspiration from the Ballarat region quite literally, her creative journey really taking off from pulling clay from her own dam to make one of her pieces.

Since then, she has innovated her style while using raw materials she collects herself from the world around her, including wild clay.

Cassy’s inspiration comes from the Ballarat and south-west Victorian landscapes.

“The diverse climate, varied landscape and rich palette provides ongoing opportunities for renewed engagement and observation,” Cassy said.

She will be working on new ceramic pieces at the expo, using some of her collected clays and materials, a method that many may not have seen before.

Rather than using commercial clay, Cassy prefers clays dug and used directly from the ground. This method, a throwback to yesteryear when clay was not readily available in a store, can provide sometimes unpredictable but unique results.

Cassy brings a centuries-old practice to modern-day by continuous trial and innovation.

“Inconsistencies with unprocessed foraged materials provide a desired technical challenge and scope for new and unplanned results.  Drawing on natural occurrences, I happily allow clays to crack, disform, meld, crumble and melt,” she said.

“I hope to provide the visitor with an opportunity to gain insight into my engagement with the natural environment, my processes and my outcomes. I very much look forward to visitors stopping by to chat.

“The Craft Lab + Design Expo will be a fabulous environment for people from all backgrounds to come together to experience contemporary craft and design by local creators within the framework of the Ballarat Heritage Festival.”

Check out the Craft Lab and Design Expo

Ballarat Mining Exchange, 12-16 Lydiard Street North

Cost – FREE

15 and 16 May, 10am – 5pm

22 and 23 May, 10am – 5pm

Bookings essential at creativeballarat.com.au/art-of-making. Three ticketed sessions per day, 10am-12pm, 1-3pm, 3-5pm.

For more information on the Ballarat Heritage Festival visit ballaratheritagefestival.com.au.

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