Sculptors and ceramicists donate works to raise fire recovery funds

Ivy Hill Gallery’s Curator Carolyn Killen is carefully unpacking beautiful ceramic works from 20 of Australia’s foremost ceramicists and sculptors.

These special pieces have been donated for a fundraising effort to benefit the fire-affected South coast community. Many pieces are functional – vases, jugs, platters and bowls – but some are purely sculptural. All are delightful.

Proceeds from the sale of each work will be paid directly to the recipient nominated by the donor of the artwork. Recipients include artists, charities and other affected local people.

“Artist Susan Curran contacted me about the benefit exhibition and sale she was organising in Ulladulla, and it started me wondering what I could do,” said Ms Killen, who was evacuated from her Tanja property four times this season. “It’s good to be able to do something.”

Ms Curran then contacted artists and urged them to take part. The result is a bevy of works from some of Australia’s and the South Coast’s most well-known ceramicists. She has donated her large vessel Misty Morn Camel Rock, which sits stunningly on the gallery floor.

Daniel Lafferty of Bandicoot Pottery, who lost all of his studio infrastructure in the first wave of the Cobargo fires, has donated two pieces, including one entitled Out of the fire.

Simone Fraser has donated the most expensive work at $1000, but many pieces, such as the beautiful, colourful jug and platter from Janna Ferris, are eminently affordable and have been heavily discounted as a special offering.

Kay Jensen of Coolagolite has donated a bold vase that almost seems alive. Titled Sea shell form with carvings, the piece has been carved and fired multiple times.

Also available are lustrous bowls from Greg Daly, fun and unusual vases from Su Hanna, Andrea Warren’s clay and wire ant creations, and Anita McIntyre’s paper porcelain with screen printed maps.

Bird adorned bowls from Adriana Christianson and a stunning Korean hybrid lidded jar from Janet De Boos are included, together with platters from Kees Staps, and a colourful, multi-layered sculptural piece from Nadja Burke, in which Gaia Pleads for the World.

Blue Mountains artist Robert Linigen’s beautiful bowl seems to bleed ruby-coloured glaze.

“This small bowl was made after I lost my own home and studio in the Blue Mountains bushfire in 2013,” he said.

“The glaze used includes a mix of conventional ceramic materials and milled debris salvaged from our house, including milled sandstone from the walls, ash from wooden ceilings and furniture, glass from a few good wine bottles I had been saving, and copper from the electrical wiring.”

“There has been a really good response” said Ms Killen. “People are already buying items online.”

Many of the works will be available for sale on opening night on Saturday.

The exhibition will run until 15 March 2020 in conjunction with an exhibition of paintings by Penny Lovelock and Karyn Thompson, the headliners of the show.

These two artists were gracious in their agreement to open up their allotted time in the gallery to include this fundraising project.

“Not least because they had each been affected themselves,” Ms Killen said. “Penny lost her home and all contents in the Conjola Park fire. Karen and her husband stayed and fought the Verona fire, just managing to save their house.”

“They were so generous giving us the go ahead to share their exhibition space, and we’re hoping it will be an event where people can come and connect.”

Ms Killen said she is pleased with the enthusiasm the project has already received.

“How fortunate we are to be able to assist a little in the healing process. Many thanks to the generous donors.”

The exhibition of works by Penny Lovelock and Karyn Thompson will open this Saturday, 22 February, at 6:00 pm at the Ivy Hill Gallery at 1795 Bermagui Road, Wapengo. Many of the donated ceramic works will also be available to view.

Check out the catalogue at www.ivyhill.com.au and contact [email protected] for information and online sales.