The Journal of Australian Ceramics Vol 52 No 2 July 2013

Clay Push Gulgong 2013
Greg Piper on Clay Push
Gulgong 2013
This body of work was inspired by the presence of the late Janet Mansfield
and her impact on my association with the clay community. Our paths
crossed numerous times over many years. I felt creating these photographic
portraits of the masters and presenters was a fitting way of saying thank
you for a long and respected relationship, not just for the assignments
she initiated with me over time, but for the intimate advice and guidance
to interpreting the various forms and substances with which clay presents
itself.
Once the seed for this project was planted, the opportunity to engage
these artists was set in motion. However, more importantly, the imagery is a
photographic interpretation of those attending artists and their relationship
with Janet Mansfield and the influence of ceramics on their lives.
I requested each person bring with them" an element or tool that
represented an aspect that contributed to the construction of their own
artwork". This could be a pencil, a tube of paper, a chisel, string, a glaze
sample or any other item - small enough to hold in one hand. All came not
only with an object of sorts, but inspiration to the sitting.
To alleviate the impact of weather conditions and dispersed locations, a
small studio providing a controlled lighting space was constructed within
the Gulgong Opera House 'green room'. A short session was arranged with
each person to maximise participation.
The resulting imagery has surpassed all expectations, justifying the pursuit
of this project and leaving us satisfied and proud of our achievement. A
special thank you to all who helped bring this to fruition at short notice,
and especially Vicki Grima for accepting my project without fear or favour.
A very courageous venture and much appreciated.
THE JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS JULY 201) 11