Forged by fire, Shaped by time

2020

naked raku, obvara raku, earthenware

Forged by fire, shaped by time is the result of recent hiking expeditions to document the biological and geological taxonomy of the Central West region.​

The defining feature is an 11-13 million year old volcanic flow of basalt, rhyolite, and other igneous rock emanating from Mount Canobolas (Gaahnabulla) flowing to Mount Panorama (Wahluu) and beyond. This lava flow is responsible for creating the regions distinctive quartz veins which hold rich gold seams, as well as the nutrient rich soils, rivers, and high-altitude peaks which sustains many forms of endemic life.

​Reference images and textures gathered from the burnt landscape were used as inspiration for a series of earthenware vessels and ‘raku’ experiments, fired in a homemade kiln. The resulting artworks are reminiscent of an environment frequently reshaped by fire, and the diverse life which emerges.

 Exhibited at Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, Foyer Gallery, 14 September – 11 October 2020