artist statement

June 2010

I thought it was time I updated my artist statement but when I actually read it I realised I still hold essentially the same views. This either means I am strong minded or boring. I will let the reader decide. Consequently I have only made minor alterations as regards my current work.

Making pots is a challenge. Pots that are well made and made well are a bigger challenge. I believe that women, particularly rural women, can do anything! – often from necessity. Often everyday is a challenge.

Essentially I am a practical person and what I am, where I live and what I do influences my work.

After a major ‘tree-change’ in 2003, to the Sunshine Coast hinterland, ‘where I live’ changed dramatically. I still live in the bush surrounded by the eucalypts that I love but with different colourings, creams and pinks rather than ochres and greys, and the textures are softer. There is a remnant rainforest and green everywhere. It rains a lot. We have met lots of interesting new people and made many new friends. These changes have provided me with new challenges. The fungi and the people, provide me with inspiration for new directions.

In choosing to mainly work with fine porcelain and once firing, with soda/wood, the pieces to translucency, I am pushing my skills to the limit. I am currently pushing those skills even further by handbuilding soft porcelain and stoneware tiles into 'patchwork', which is then formed into pots, both functional and sculptural. This type of work is proving to be a real challenge.

Kiln-formed glass and jewellery continues to be an interest and I am developing this area of my work.

i am part of a small local art group named DALA. With inspiration and encouragement from this group I am extending my range of workshops. This has proven to be most enjoyable and satisfying.

I hope that my passion and obsession is passed on to my students and that people who purchase my pots enjoy using them as much as I enjoyed making them.