Graft, exhibition

Research Background: The 11 ceramic sculptures exhibited at the Legge Gallery in Redfern, Sydney reflect an ongoing commitment to the genre of figuration in the ceramic field. International recognition for this artist’s contribution to the figurative form is evidenced by her selection for international residency at Fuping, China; award of an Australia/China Council grant; and inclusion of her work in the Australasia Ceramic Art Museum.

Background research was presented at the Fragmented Figure conference, UK, in 2005 and published in Interpreting Ceramics journal. Works in Graft investigate the socio-political narratives of social relations and spaces and combine process and materials. The work reflects an evolution in Australian ceramic practice that began with studio artists like the Murrumbeena potters of the 1940s.

Research Contribution: A relationship between form and the rendering of newly developed glaze surfaces was developed to highlight the juxtaposition of elements. Glaze colour and surface texture are innovatively exploited. The focus of this practice-based research concerned physiological and psychological relationships in relation to figurative concerns of gesture and narrative. The figurative sculptures explore narratives by engaging architectural metaphors and treating the body as a psychological site.

Research significance: Legge Gallery is a 19-year old member of the Australian Commercial Gallery Association and partner with Watters Gallery, one of the oldest commercial galleries in Sydney. Items from the Graft show have been purchased by major private collectors (whose names cannot be publicly disclosed).