3. Juni 2012 - New Ceramics

Srivilasa sees a correlation between the European
appropriation of Asian designs and
decorative motifs to express a fanciful view
of the 'exotic Orient', and his transformation
of Thai designs into a Western context.
cobalt powder mixed with peach glue as a paste, which is so
easy to use!"
Residencies and international engagement are increasingly
important for this mid-career artist, particularly in terms of
the evolution of his process. “In Jingdezhen I produced works
which utilised the skills of local artisans who specialise in
certain hand-made individual elements, flowers for example.
This is a new experience for me which I would like to explore
further in the future", Srivilasa comments. “My understanding
of the Chinoiserie style and its historical development was
greatly enhanced, as was my opportunity to network with
Chinese arts professionals. I am very happy that the pottery
workshop has invited me to return in July this year for
another residency". Srivilasa views dialogue and engagement
as the most important aspects of overseas exchanges. “Connecting
with people is the strongest element of my work. Also
being in an international environment allows me to explore
photo Terence Bogue
VIPOO SRIVILaSa
exhibition possibilities. I also need to gauge where my work
stands in terms of my peers and current standards of practice
and pricing. It gives me a good indication of areas I should be
developing and what my strengths are", he agrees.
The creative imperative to extend beyond an established
‘comfort zone' and explore other dimensions within a studio
environment is an important catalyst for Srivilasa. “When I
participate in a residency I will not bring my favourite tools
or materials with me. I like to work within the new set-up,
and meet the challenge of different circumstances", he says.
“By forcing myself to address the limitations of space and
equipment, I find this really helps me create new work that I
wouldn’t usually make at my own studio. It pushes me to be
more inventive and responsive, I then take these new ideas
back home and refine them". This awareness of the potential
for artistic complacency is particularly pertinent when working
within this particular genre, the casual ubiquity of which
May / June 2012 NEW CERAMICS 35
photo Rohan young
PROFILe