The Journal of Australian Ceramics Vol 53 No 2 July 2014

Ann Ferguson
Vesse/@doc.com, 2013
This freighter is laden with
metaphorical possibilities, from
Australia's reliance on imported
goods to the MV Tampa rescue
of Hazara refugees in 2001
Photo: courtesy Robyn Phelan
Ceramics Victoria's annual
exhibition on Herring Island
Since 2006, Ceramics Victoria has participated in the Herring Island Summer Arts Festival with potter
Robyn Becker championing the first exhibition. Becker rallied her fellow Box Hill TAFE ceramics students
and, along with the encouragement of VCG President Sue McFarland, braved this unusual and unique
venue, the old mud brick Scout Hall in the centre of the island.
Access to Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park is restricted to riverboats. A small pedestrian
punt crosses the Yarra River for the general public and is the same 'vessel' by which all work, plinths
and equipment arrives on the island. Located three kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, the island
is covered in wild native gardens and is home to many permanent sculptures such as Cairn by Andy
Goldsworthy. Visiting the exhibition takes on the feeling of a pilgrimage to a secret, secl uded event.
This year, the aptly entitled exhibition Vessel contained work from thirty-six members and explored
themes such as the tradition and function of the ceramic container, and also the metaphorical
possibilities inherent in the vessel as a means of water travel.
Judge Stephen Benwell said of winner Amanda Christian'S work, Treading Water, "It communicated
something about the origins of vessels ... the artist alerted me to the fact that vessels began as not
only things for use, but - from their very beginning - carried information and ideas between groups of
people. "
A report by Robyn Phelan
For more images of Vessel go to: www.lookingwithsofteyes.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/vesselceramics-victoria-exhibition.html
THE JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS JULY 2014 109