The Journal of Australian Ceramics Vol 53 No 2 July 2014
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Virginia Perkins: emerging artist<br />
Virginia Perkins lives on the outskirts <strong>of</strong> Launceston in the north <strong>of</strong> Tasmania . When<br />
asked the most important thing learned during her time studying ceramics at TasTAFE,<br />
Virginia didn't hesitate ... "<strong>The</strong> beauty <strong>of</strong> imperfection - allow the material and form<br />
to inform the finished work; the changing <strong>of</strong> the seasons, dead trees, smooth stones;<br />
inspiration is everywhere."<br />
Virginia's Advanced Diploma Graduate Exhibition (18-25 October 2013) was well<br />
attended and the work was engaging, contemporary and unique (see images above).<br />
For many <strong>of</strong> us who work in clay, woodfired pieces have a special allure. <strong>The</strong> subtle<br />
influence <strong>of</strong> the flame and ash together with the actual process <strong>of</strong> firing was something<br />
that Virginia was keen to include in her exhibition work. In collaboration with Jilli<br />
Spencer, well known Tasmanian potter and basket maker <strong>of</strong> the Tin Shed in Launceston,<br />
Virginia fired some work at Jilli's home in Uffey. <strong>The</strong> woodfired pieces worked beautifully,<br />
swaddled in long s<strong>of</strong>t hangings <strong>of</strong> hemp as well as pierced with glowing copper - the<br />
perfect foil for the more delicate unglazed white clay pieces.<br />
Report by Jill Eastley<br />
108 THE IOURNAl OF AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS JULY <strong>2014</strong>
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