My ceramic sculpture practice focuses on the human figure. Through it I explore the human psyche as expressed in gesture, expression and movement. I draw on my own emotional history and from observing and interpreting the moods and behaviours of others.
Through constant practice since 2006, I have developed hand-building techniques by experimenting with many different clays and applications to the surfaces – texturing, oxides, slip, stains, glazes, multiple firings and using painterly oxides and glazes in combination. Anatomy, likeness and proportion were learned through sculpting (and drawing) from life.
I research my subjects, provide mentoring with established artists, run short courses and workshops – all of which have informed and influenced my work. I am inspired by other figurative sculptors’ work – Anthony Gormley, Debra Fritts, Michelle Gregor, Terry Stringer, Paul Dibble, Frances Upritchard and Greer Twiss.
Exhibitions:
Solo shows
- Earth wind and fire – Muse Gallery as Featured Artist: December 2019-January 2020.
- Waiting (for life to begin): A major solo exhibition at The Hastings City Art Gallery, Holt Gallery showing from 19 May – 24 June 2018 Twelve standing figures 50+cm tall in red raku clay, seeming to interact with each other.
- Art + Enterprise Napier (now Tennyson Gallery) ‘The Fashionista Collection’ as featured artist February 2016
Sculpture Awards Finalist and Group shows
- Richard T Nelson Sculpture Award (2 x 500mm tall figures on totara stands)
- Hawke’s Bay Art Review ‘Seeking Truth’,selected finalist Napier – November 2021
- ‘Pania, 70 years on’ exhibition, held at Creative Arts Napier, September-October 2021. Ten artists were invited to attend when the original model for the Pania sculpture on Napier’s Marine Parade, sat for us. Mei Whaitiri is now in her 80s
- ‘Novel Coronavirus Lifestyle’, ceramic installation selected for major public exhibition EAST 2020 at Hastings City Art Gallery
- Finalist – Biennial UKU Hawke’s Bay Ceramic Awards 2022, 2020 and 2018
- Awards finalist: HB Art Review 2021, EAST 2020, UKU Clay HB Awards 2020, 2018, Portage 2016 (shortlisted), finalist NZ Small Sculpture Prize 2015, Waiclay Awards 2014
- Wildflower Sculpture Exhibition November 2020 featured six large sculptural ceramic figures, in the ‘Earthling’ series – Selected works WSE 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018
Professional Development:
- In March 2017 participated in intensive workshop ‘The Standing Figure’ at Tucson, Arizona learning technique and US ceramic practices. Museums of Art in San Fransisco
- March 2019 Visited Japan to explore the ceramics culture
- October 2020Ceramics technique workshop with Tracey Keith, ceramic artist, Visual Arts tutor for 17 years at Te Wananga o Aotearoa and who is nownow with Toimairangi, Hastings
- Artists’ symposium, EIT Ideas School, 2012
- 2004 EIT School of Art & Design, full time, 13-week Level 3 – Introduction to sculpture in clay.
- Numerous ceramics handbuilding workshops and ceramics conferences over the years.
Tutoring
I have lead many workshops teaching the handbuilding techniques that I employ in my own ceramics practice. The workshops always include a focus on anatomy, posture, proportion and a close observation of the human form.