The Journal of Australian Ceramics Vol 53 No 2 July 2014

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HERE&NOW14:
The state of ceramics in WA
Curator Emma Mahanay Bitmead introduces this upcoming exhibition
HERE&NOW is an annual exhibition, initiated in 2012 by the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery at the
University of Western Australia, with the aim to provide opportunities for emerging artists and showcase
the most exciting and innovative new work being produced in Western Australia. This year the theme
is 'Contemporary Ceramics', with work from both emerging and established Western Australian
artists, encompassing materials and techniques ranging from fine porcelain forms and rustic stoneware
installations through to large-scale sculptural work. The exhibition is open from 25 July to 27 September
2014.
Selected artists include Luke Aleksandrow, Sandra Black, Greg Crowe, Ian Dowling, Pippin Drysdale,
Stephanie Hammill, Graham Hay, Andrew Nicholls, Jacob Ogden Smith, Warrick Palmateer, Bevan
Thompson and Andrea Vinkovic. Each has been challenged to produce new work, extending their
artistic practice by experimenting with innovative technical and conceptual approaches.
Sourcing 'emerging' ceramic artists was one of the challenges faced in curating this exhibition. It
became apparent that due to the closure of tertiary ceramic courses in WA, emerging ceramicists have
been forced to seek alternative pathways to acquire the skills, training and intellectual development
required but no longer on offer through dedicated specialist courses.
I became interested in exploring how the selected emerging artists have come to work with clay and
the challenges they have faced to further their careers. Some visual arts graduates have naturally paired
Below: Sandra Black and Andrew Nicholls. Wrap. 2014, porcelain, clear glaze. black decal, h.1Scm
Below right: Andrea Vinkovic. Shape of Thought, detail. 2014, stoneware, porcelain. metal; photos: Kevin Gordon
THE JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS JULY 2014 79