clare twomey

In January 2011 I visited the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. I spent an afternoon in the ceramic galleries, gawking at the greatest and most comprehensive collection of ceramics in the world.

One of the (many) pieces that left an impression on me; the remnants of 'Trophy' by Clare Twomey, an installation from 2006. 4000 small birds were made from Wedgewood's Jasper Blue to be displayed throughout the museum; within five hours of opening, the public had stolen each one of the birds that made up the collection; although they were not formally invited to take the birds home, many followed the behaviour of others in the space.

 

18 months after that trip to London, I had the pleasure of listening to Clare speak at Subversive Clay in Adelaide. An articulate and well versed speaker, her keynote speech was certainly a highlight of the conference.

subversive clay | A D E L A I D E !

*ahem* Yes, yes, I know, this is 6 weeks late. 

Michaela Kloeckner and myself flew to Adelaide in late September for the 2012 Australian Ceramics Triennale. The 4 day conference was packed with key note speeches, panel discussions, workshops, demonstrations and exhibition openings. Honestly, I was overwhelmed and that is why I haven't been able to write about it until now. I could barely even make notes during the conference, my head was buzzing and I couldn't make any sense of it. 6 weeks on I can hardly begin to untangle my thoughts. 

[pre-travel lunch at Currumbin!]

[I'm ready!]

[Michaela and I were VERY excited potters at the airport]

[Good morning!]

I was inspired and intrigued by so many of the presenting artists;

[Clare Twomey]

[Gerry Wedd]

[Stephanie Outridge-Field]

[Akio Takamori]

[Vipoo Srivilasa!]

[Penny Byrne]

[I posted this last month - I now know that Fleur Schell shared it with us!]

[the very MARVELLOUS suitcase sale!]

[Ashley Fiona and I played swapsies, yay!]

[Michaela and I had a ball!]

[Adriana's brooch made a new friend, thanks to Stephanie Outridge-Field]

[A snippet from The Australia Ceramics Association 50th Anniversary Vase Show!]

There are at least half a dozen more in depth posts that I would like to write. Until then, I will note that the recurring theme throughout the conference, whether during the presentations, exhibitions or discussions was this: use your work to tell your story.

neglect.

Dear Neglected Blog,

Please forgive my inattentiveness. I love you still and have many posts to publish, but real life must take priority. I'm flying to Adelaide tomorrow afternoon for Subversive Clay, the 2012 Australian Ceramics Triennale, with a suitcase full of dishes and spoons. Please follow my Facebook page for updates throughout the conference and expect some epic blog posts upon my return!

With love,

Katy.

subvert.

Next week I'm flying to Adelaide for Subversive Clay, the 2012 Australian Ceramics Triennale. My teacher and now mentor Michaela attended the Sydney Triennale in 2009; I had just started studying with her and the stories from the conference set my imagination on fire. I promised myself I would be a delegate at the next triennale. So here I am 3 years later, eagerly anticipating the presentations, exhibitions and demonstrations, whilst preparing tiny dishes and spoons for the Suitcase Sale!

[freshly thrown]

[firing the previous week's batch]

[patience, young potter.]

[breakfast in the studio]

[freshly painted]

[should have made more...!]