The Journal of Australian Ceramics Vol 53 No 2 July 2014

Above: Warrick Palmateer, Form I, 2014, h.1SOcm
Above right: Stephanie Hammill, Drift Line, 2014, porcelain, h.1Ocm; photos: Kevin Gordon
up with highly experienced ceramicists, forging informal mentorships that enable them to learn the
physical and technical skills not taught in academic visual arts courses.
Jacob Ogden Smith is one such example. He graduated with First Class Honours in Fine Arts from
Curtin University after completing an Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts at the WA School of Art and
Design. In 2011 Jacob began working informally with Greg Crowe, mostly focusing on kiln building
and woodfiring. Jacob's conceptual exhibition work incorporates found ceramic objects and video
installation, in part the result of his lack of access to studio facilities. Greg, who teaches at his pottery
studio in Hovea in the Perth Hills, also has work in the exhibition.
Others, including Stephanie Hammill, have pursued short practical courses offered through institutions
such as the Fremantle Arts Centre and SODA Studios Clay House. Despite postgraduate qualifications in
anthropology, Stephanie faced incredible obstacles when attempting to enroll in a Diploma at Central
TAFE, due to a lack of previous fine art qualifications and the absence of any formal structure to
recognise prior learning and experience. With the support and encouragement of the ceramic tutors,
she was able to enroll and attend classes without the option to complete an academic certificate. She
was immensely inspired by the breadth of knowledge, skills and guidance provided by Andrea Vinkovic,
who is also exhibiting work.
Luke Aleksandrow is another emerging artist, though he has pursued a purely academic pathway
to exploring ceramic practice involving digital installations based on ceramics. After completing a
Bachelor of Arts (Design & Art) with First Class Honours and Master of Applied Design and Art at Curtin
University of Technology under the tutelage of John Teschendorff, Luke is currently undertaking a sevenmonth
residency at the Fremantle Arts Centre. He next intends to undertake his PHD at Curtin while
continuing to pursue his ceramics practice.
It is the first time in a decade that a public institution in Western Australia has dedicated an exhibition
to the under-represented practice of ceramics. Given the current collaborative landscape, it seems
timely to provide an opportunity for emerging ceramic artists to exhibit their work alongside their more
established and internationally recognised counterparts. HERE&NOWI4 will provide a snapshot of the
diverse, exciting and innovative developments in the contemporary world of ceramic practice in Western
Australia.
80 THE 10URNAL OF AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS JULY 2014