Pouring talent into gravy boat auction

CERAMICIST Shelby Sherritt is harnessing her creativity for a good cause this Christmas.

As part of St Vincent de Paul and Gravox’s Buy A Boat initiative, the Ballarat potter has decorated 10 second-hand gravy boats found in Vinnies op shops which will be auctioned off in benefit of the crisis relief agency.

“The humble gravy boat is such a staple of Christmas lunch and dinner,” she said. “This is about bringing it back as a bit of a statement piece and an artwork to be appreciated.

“One of these second-hand, upcycled gravy boats is not just a sustainable purchase, but also helps to give back to those in need.

“Gravox’s auction will see all the proceeds go back to Vinnies.”

The 10 gravy boats Sherritt has designed are all a little bit different, but each reflect what the season means to her, and the traditions of an Aussie Christmas.

“There are a few pieces which are more distinctive of my style, with Australian native flowers like bright waratahs, flowering gums, and popping green gum leaves,” she said.

“There are a lot of traditional Christmas ones with a lot of green and red, and baubles, with memories of coming together to decorate the tree.

“But one of my favourite ones is decorated like a Gingerbread house, which a lot of people decorate together.”

Mindful of cost-of-living pressures, Sherritt said this project has been a great way to use her skills to give back to those in need.

“I’ve aimed to make something that’s really impactful and stands the test of time in these permanent artworks,” she said.

“I hope I can inspire others to give back this Christmas, while also promoting a DIY craft.”

In the last 12 months, the number of people seeking help at Victorian Vinnies sites due to financial pressures has risen by 18.4 per cent.

“The Christmas period is one of celebrating and joy, however this isn’t the reality for many Australians,” said Vinnies national president, Mark Gaetani.

“Currently, there are 761,000 children whose families lack adequate food and struggle to pay essential household bills.

“We greatly appreciate initiatives from our partners like Gravox, which are crucial at this time of year to help spread further awareness and support for those who need it.”

The online auction is live until Tuesday 5 December at gravox.com.au/BuyABoat.