The Journal of Australian Ceramics Vol 48 No 3 November 2009

The Edge of a Day (detail)
Mincham: Perceptions of Place
Sandra Brown pays tribute to Jeff Mincham's contribution to Australian ceramics
The studio of one of Australia's most prominent and influential ceramic artists, Jeff Mincham, is full to
overbrimming with inspirational 'clutter' and work - tree trunks and rusted tools, experimental shards,
works in progress, and examples of just about every style and technique from over thirty-five years
practice. located in the picturesque hills above Adela ide near Mount lofty in South Australia, this is the
place where Mincham draws creative and inspirational stimulation, from both within his studio as well
as its surrounding landscape.
looking out through the windows, the landscape is a series of framed vignettes, yet one only has
to walk outside to take it all in, in one full sweep. This is Mincham's world as one of Australia's iconic
potters, dedicated activist for the arts, advocate for the 'underdog' cause, committed political player,
raconteur and connoisseur.
Mincham's exceptional craft skills and his deep knowledge of the materials and technology of
ceramics are demonstrated in the robust elegance and diversity of the extraordinary body of work he
has produced over three and a half decades. Much of this work is represented in major public collections
throughout Australia and many more internationally.
Mincham is very much an artist who is influenced by his environment. His work arises from direct
experiences within the landscape and is loaded with metaphors of memories related to those special
10 THE JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS NOVEMBER 2009