Judge: Ms Mollie Bosworth,
Kuranda. Cairns. Queensland
MELTING POT 2005 provided an interesting overview of ceramics in Far North Queensland and a comparison to other Australian Potters. While elements of the exhibition were mediocre it is in the main a strong and balanced exhibition.
The exhibition reflects a genuine attempt at artistic self expression and succeeds in the promotion of the art form in North Queensland in a positive way opening the eyes of the many possibilities of the medium. This exhibition reflects the increasing interest in non functional ceramics and the trend towards ceramics as expression.
In general the three major criteria I have used for evaluation of the art works were originality and creativity; the technical sophistication and quality of craftsmanship; and artistic merit and expression. The prize winning pieces have a standout freshness of idea incorporated with an element of risk taking and are aesthetically resolved. They have that special unique quality that is hard to define. The major winning piece was outstanding for its high technical quality and for being a unique expression of its maker.
It was pleasing to see such a large crowd at the opening, over 300 showing a strong interest in ceramics in this region.
I would like to suggest in future that 2 entries per artist are sufficient and works to be in the exhibition are selected. The number of pieces on display in the space makes it crowded and the exhibition would look stronger with fewer pieces.
Comments from the Judge regarding the Award winning artworks.
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Award 1 Peter Thompson Kuranda, Cairns
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This piece has oriental overtones in its classic mai ping shape and decorative elements, but is a lively and unique reinvention, going far beyond historical mimicry. The decorative elements are executed with skilled mark making. The wood firing marks enhance the pot beautifully. On each viewing, on each side, there is always something more to discover. It is a very expressive piece imbued with the unique spirit of the maker. |
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Award 2 Katrin Chittams Melbourne
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The organic form of this piece evoking wind and water worn coastal rock and the colours of coastal landscape imagery together reflect the makers’ unique vision. Colored clays have been built up in stripes very skilfully with lines remaining crisp. This piece is very finely detailed and has superb craftsmanship including the finishing details on base. |
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Award 3 Jasmine Scheidler NSW
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This small black bowl submerged in glaze and sliced after firing has been beautifully executed. The glaze has an agate like depth and polished stone like surface, with the perfectly thrown little bowl forever entrapped like a fossil. This piece displays technical innovation and pushes the boundaries of contemporary ceramics, asking questions about the definition of pottery. |
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Award 4 Julia Hyun Joo Kim Cairns
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This installation of tiny sculptural pieces is a fresh, lively and inventive personal vision of the maker. They are all crafted with care and inventive detail. I enjoyed the mix of realistic and abstract elements sometimes naive but on closer inspection very considered. Displaying the pieces on acrylic stands, made the pieces float and gave them more impact. |
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Award 5 Megan Puls Nerang, Qld
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This piece has overtones of ancient bronze vessels but has a fresh direct approach to form and decoration. It has been skilfully wheel thrown and the glaze enhances the overall evocation of metal artefact. It has good design and clean lines. |
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Award 6 Janette Miller Victoria
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This small porcelain bowl has a classic pure form. The meticulous carved decoration which flows and wraps around the form is enhanced by the oxidized celadon glaze. |
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Award 7 Ray Valdes Cairns
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This piece has a curious strangeness, and a nice balance of decorative pattern and use of raku glazes. The form balanced well on the circular base and it recalls the pottery figurines of an earlier time. |