Katrina Spooner
ceramist I am both a potter of functional ware, and of hand built sculptural forms. Many of my pieces take on a whimsical nature by the exaggeration of a certain feature. I enjoy the tactile nature of clay and am inspired by the environment and its abundant palette of texture, colour and shape. I use a variety of clays and I’m particularly fond of the warm speckled earthy colours. I love exploiting the texture in clay – either by highlighting patterns using oxide or placing texture over texture and glaze on glaze – thus allowing the piece to form its own unique...
Read MoreWendy Jane Sheppard
painter ‘They (the animals) show themselves to me, and I cannot but respond, because I cannot turn away’ This is a profound and insightful proclamation from French philosopher Emmanuel Levinas and is a predominant and undeniable influence on the art I create.Through my artwork I endeavour to create an accessible in-between space of meditative openness for intuitive and empathetic reflection on our complex relationship with other animals. To capture the physical characteristics and unique personalities of people and other animals I predominately paint in oils, employing a traditional and...
Read MoreMaureen Purser
potter 25 years ago I got out of the workforce to do something creative. Inspired by my friend Pam Merlo to “do what is in your heart”, I took classes at Potters School at Potters Cottage, Warrandyte. I later purchased the business and ran the school with my son Justin. I had the benefit of observing the different teachers and their techniques. For the past 12 years I have had a studio, Cow Shed Pottery, in Yarra Glen. I make functional pieces in Stoneware with earthy colours of blacks, blues and reds, as well as Raku and Lustre...
Read MoreJustin Purser
metal Artist My designs are based on free flowing organic forms and patterns. I am inspired by the lines and forms of nature like the growth of a plant, grass in the wind, the flow of a river or a rolling landscape. I use simple bending and shaping techniques, a gas fired forge and an old power hammer to create the components for gates, balustrades and architectural details. I use my Architectural Ceramics and Design background to design artistic objects for specific spaces. The majority of my work comes from private commissions although I have completed a number of public and commercial...
Read MoreMargaret McLoughlin
mixed media artist Colour has always fascinated me, both in pattern and design and generally in my artwork. Its power of suggestion motivates the way I work. Line is another element I favour, sometimes used to create strong shapes or else in calligraphic form. Its sensitivity can be so suggestive of space. My artwork often tells a story – by suggestion rather than being merely representational. Scale changes or exaggerated shapes help to create tensions or emphasis. By exploring a range of mediums and techniques, I feel that each component of my work remains fresh, as each area of work...
Read MoreErnst Fries
sculptor With my current works, I am investigating light, colour and spatiality, expressed through sculpture. To realise this, I am using a diverse range of materials, including stainless steel, mild steel, concrete and glass, and engaging natural light or artificial light to animate the experience of my works. Living in the Yarra Valley is always an inspiration for an artist. Especially the changes of the natural light and the colour it produces in the landscape. My work is more indirectly related to those phenomenon, but still important as I am deeply concerned with architecture in a virgin...
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