deborahgowerceramics

“Duya” by David Shaw is at the art CUBE this month.  Check it out at Byron Shire Council foyer in Mullumbimby.

“My work is mainly abstract, the product of my imagination, but inevitably influenced by my life and surroundings. Since moving to Byron Shire about seven years ago I have had much to inspire me within the shire, the sheer beauty of the place, the almost tropical ambience, living in an area once volcanic, with so many dramatic features.
Creating art is a lonely, self – indulgent, self – gratifying pursuit. After the creative process itself the greatest joy for an artist is to know that people may enjoy what is produced. If you like what you see here you may wish to visit my next exhibition commencing on 1st May at Ballina Community Gallery, Cherry Street, Ballina.
The exhibition is dedicated to the founder of an English language programme in rural Bali where I work annually as a volunteer; my proceeds will go to that cause.”

Hi Clay lovers.  My thoughts have strayed to what type of tools I like to use and I thought I would share one of my favourites – Yea Olde Toothpick. Yep cheap as chips (used to be) it gets into places other tools never go.  It makes marks, cleans up after itself is small and portable.  So remember to look to see what tools you can use for clay that were designed for other uses.

The rain has put a dampener on me for a couple of weeks but its a good time to visit Megan Puls and Katy Mitchell’s exhibitions at http://www.goldcoastpotters.com/index.html

And speaking of exhibition type things – Here is my entry for ABAD – Don’t forget to enter  and send your postcard/s off – details here http://abadaustralia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/artwork-42-deborah-gower.html

Forget-Me- kNot
Shirley Ester Reading 16 April 1939 – 4 November 1986
Hankie in Porcelain Slip 2010 by Deborah Gower

Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of Heaven,
Blossom the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Whenever it was vital that I remembered something when I was a child my mother would always tie a knot in my hanky as a gentle reminder. This is a tribute to my loving mother. A true angel – never to be forgotten. Her gentle touch of kindness caresses me each time I press a hanky to my cheek or wipe a tear from my eye. Every spring I celebrate as forget-me-not’s bloom and I see the blue of my mother’s eyes again.

And the Clifton Art Awards are on again – Check out the entries and enter http://www.cliftonsartprize.com/2013/entries/

Oh Frack – Who left the gate open? Deborah Gower 2013

Concern about the impact of fracking on our drinking water, air, climate and communities is firing up Northern Rivers artists. The Lock the Gate Campaign is highlighting the debate and this artwork is one way to initiate discussion on the impact of Fracking and extracting Coal Seam Gas.

and after you have sent your entries off – Come with me and find out what the other Mud Colonists are up to http://mudcolony.blogspot.com.au/

Have fun and Happy clay days

Debby

This week has been interesting.  I had some old dried up commercial glazes in amongst an ebay purchase a few years back and thought I would see what I could do with them.  I added water to the dried glazes and sieved and sieved and sieved.

Gold crackle didnt crackle but was a stunner – needs to be on thick though. Richardson Blue came out purple and very dry I think it needs to go to 1090 – dont think it melted properly. Blue Jade in front I watered down too much – it was the first one I tried. In the middle is a silver rim and although you cant see it really in the photo the sides were silver and they came out great. So yes if you are careful and don’t add to much water, apply properly and play with the temperature old glazes that have dried up can be resurrected.

I also finished a poppy creation and it will be flying off to its new home in London very shortly.

I spent a glorious morning with some great people  Thursday Morning. A big Thank You to Jacqueline King , the talented Northern Rivers Glass Artist, who hosted a wonderful morning for the One Billion Rising – Stop Violence Against Women – event. A Bouquet and Banksia Vase just for Jacqueline as a symbol that Banksia’s like human beings not only survive but can grow in difficult climates.

A quick reminder to extend your hand (mould) of friendship to Wellington Potters Supplies New Zealand who are building a Potters Wall of Fame.

and now after an interesting week I think I will sit down with a coffee and SAO biccy and see what everyone else is doing over at Mud Colony

Happy clay days eveyrone

Debby xxx

Janet De Boos throwing

Spending a week at Australian National University with other ceramics students and learning from Greg Daly http://www.gregdaly.com.au/home.html and Janet De Boos http://www.sabbiagallery.com/artists_biography.php?pname=deb1 was the highlight of last week.  Both Greg and Janet were inspiring and I am looking forward to the rest of the semester with a trip to China as part of my studies.

Greg Daly talks Lustre

and of course Mud Colony is back – check it out http://mudcolony.blogspot.com.au/

and very sadly the ceramic community has suffered a huge loss with the death of Janet Mansfield.  If you wish to post a message of condolence please visit this page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vale-Janet-Mansfield/503514956366622

I met Janet only once – It was at Gulgong where she graciously let us visit her property during the last Gulgong ceramic conference.  An amazing women, Janet worked tirelessly to promote Australian Ceramics. I own and treasure one of the many ceramic pieces she made.  I hope she is now organising all the angels with some clay and they are fluttering their wings with anticipation of a new ceramic exhibition in heaven. Our ceramic community will miss you Janet.  RIP

Debby

Happy Australia Day to everyone who may be surfing their way through the day-to-day of Aussie Life.  It is raining here with minor flood warnings – while Victoria burns – that’s Australia for you.

I had a big week last week –

The art CUBE at the Byron Shire Council Chambers has some beautiful ceramic work by Byron artist Claire Atkins

A big thank you to Claire and to the Mayor Simon Richardson who is a big supporter of the arts in Byron Shire and Northern Rivers Generally.  Mayor Richardson was on site for the changeover and it was a pleasure meeting with him. I look forward to providing the community with a range of new works from Northern Rivers artists.

Claire Atkins is a multi-disciplinary artist who works in ceramics, printmaking and fibre arts. She now works full time from her studio Pinky & Maurice Contemporary Ceramics in South Golden Beach in the Byron Shire. The value of studying Ceramics in Australia is being hotly debated at the moment with State Government’s across the country axing funding to Ceramics and Fine Arts courses in TAFE. Students, art educators and the future of Australian Ceramics are consequently in a precarious and fragile position.

Claire says, “Individuals who are creating objects to be used in a domestic context are integral to a fully rounded society. The knowledge that your bowl, cup or spoon has been crafted by another human being, brings individuals into contact with each other and creates a community of artists and users who believe in the notion that objects have meaning beyond fashion and commerce.” “Fragile” Slipcast and stained porcelain, 2013 For enquiries about Claire’s work go to www.pinkyandmaurice.com or follow Pinky and Maurice on Facebook and InstaGram

Thanks to the Northern Star for the great article good http://www.northernstar.com.au/news/byron-artists-on-show-in-council-offices/1726724/

The art CUBE – Affectionately known as the Cube – The smallest Gallery in the Byron Shire is all about promoting local 3D Art. It is located in the foyer of the Byron Shire Council, Burringbar St Mullumbimby. The Cube (supported by Byron Shire Council) is sponsored by Mark Cochrane Real Estate and Santos Trading. The original Curator Dev Lengjel developed the Cube to be a showcase for local 3D artists. As the Current Curator I welcome visitors to the CUBE and hope you enjoy the work of the vast array of talent from the local area.

Check out the Margaret Olley, Ken Done and Erica Gray exhibitions at the Tweed Gallery was a visual breath of fresh air – Stunning works and certainly worth a visit.

A new project in th epipeline for me – Thank you to the Catholic Cathedral at Lismore for escorting me through the Cathedral.  What a stunning Cathedral and the beginning of a new ceramic sculpture – stay tuned.

And an interesting project coming up at the Lismore Regional Gallery

13 April – 2 June 2013, Lismore Regional Gallery will celebrate the multitude of wonderful houses designed, made and lived in by people who have chosen to live outside the square in the Northern Rivers region. This will include photographs, a film and a publication. The photographs will document existing owner built houses from the period, as well as contemporary examples which show a relationships to the alternative ideals of the owner builders of the 60s and 70s.  The facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NotQuiteSquare would like to hear from anyone with a story to tell about this fascinating part of Northern River’s life, any stories about these houses: how they were conceived and designed; how they sit in the landscape; architectural and other challenges that were faced and overcome and the experience of living in these wonderful houses.

Finally Mud Colony will be back soon but in the meantime why not have a surf through last years awesome posts from my awesome Mud Colony mates

Happy Clay days everyone

Debby

Oh My Goddess – Its 2013 already – Happy New Year everyone

And its going to be a big one –

New Years Resolutions aren’t really my thing – I will be just continuing my ceramic journey into lustres, sculptures with environmental statements, volunteering at Tweed Art Gallery and happily contributing as a member of Revolutionary Ceramicos, Gold Coast Potters Association and Byron Shire’s PAN Artists network.  PAN artists have an exhibition planned in Ballina in May so I will be looking forward to taking part in that exhibition as well as a few other exhibitions through the year.

I am back at Australian National University doing my Masters of Visual Arts and as part of that I will be spending a couple of weeks in Jingdezhen Sculpture Factory, China.  SO stay tuned later this year when I will be sharing some new information and pictures of my learnings in China.

And I have added one new task to my list for 2013.  I have created a Gratitude Jar and it is quickly filling up every day with things I have to be grateful for.

Gratitude Jar 2013

I have so much to be grateful for – good family, friends and the ability to pursue my love of ceramics are just a few and there are little things every day that fill up my world.  SO with my 2013 attitude gratitude – I should get to the getting –

Today I was at Tweed Regional Art Gallery helping stuff those envelopes full of fantastic news about whats happening at the gallery.  So much is coming up and just a reminder about this week : Friday 18 January Ken Done “Sea Gardens” and Erica Gray “Rubber Gloves, Sharp Teeth and Other Pointy Bits”  open.

This Saturday 19 January is a special evening with Ken Done.  Bookings with credit card details are essential $30 Tickets are limited. For details please contact the Tweed Gallery

http://www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/ArtGallery/ArtGalleryHome.aspx

Tomorrow its back into playing with some clay and in the spirit of getting the hands dirty again here is a favourite video that I love to see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQcbcl0lof0 over and over again –  Potter is Ron Dahline and you can see more of his work at http://rondeeclayworks.com/gallery.htm

And Mud Colony will be back soon but in the meantime why not have a surf through last years awesome posts from my awesome Mud Colony mates

Happy Clay days for 2013 everyone

Debby

Just wanted to say Merry Merry Christmas to each and every one of my family, friends and clay buddies and followers. May you have a safe and happy Christmas wherever you are and however you celebrate the holiday period. Hope a flash mob flashes you somewhere this Christmas and something creative Pops Up when you least expect it

Debby xxx

C Heck out this Christmas pop up

And so It is Christmas – and what have I done – certainly not a full list but one to reflect on with gratitude that I have family and friends, made new friends, have a passion for ceramics that I can share and the health to create what I love

So what did I do in 2012 –

Hugged family and friends all year but held them a little tighter in December

Made bowls for Empty Bowls charity event at Gold Coast Potters

Joined as a Volunteer at Tweed Regional gallery and saw Border Art Prize – WOW

Completed my Grad Cert Vis Art at Australian National University

Struggled some days

Made lots of Banksia ceramic vessels

Had fun fun with my ceramic buddies Stu, Reb and Batman that I originally met at TAFE 3 years ago culminating in a visit to the Asia Pacific Triennial at GOMA QLD

Entered a few exhibitions and competitions

Worked hard

Saw lots of wonderful exhibitions around the Northern Rivers area

Said “see you on the other side” to some good friends

Holidayed in Cairns

Got my kiln checked out after a few error messages and a couple of explosions

Checked out facebook – what a world of information

Made some different ceramic works eg Surfing Dry River Beds

Did my first market stall

Fun fun fun at Adelaide Ceramic Triennial

Started curating the Art Cube at Mullumbimby

Joined Mud Colony and met some of my Mud Colony buddies in the flesh and if you want to see some of their amazing work check out the Mud Colony Blog – the last for 2012 but we will be back February 2013.

As you know we aren’t allowed to take photos at the Tweed Art Gallery so no sneak peeks.  But oh what wonderful works on exhibit for the Border Art Prize.  Congratulations to winner Trish Callaghan. There are so many talented artists in the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast area.  I spent a wonderful morning at the gallery last Wednesday and did some special Christmas shopping with Secret Santa gifts for under $10 and my own special present (to me) of a Margaret Olley Calendar.  For details of the Tweed Gallery and the Border Art Prize exhibitors and winners go to  http://www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/artgallery/artgalleryborderart.aspx

Seems like ages ago now but it was only weekend or 2 ago that we all had a great day at the Christmas Markets at the Gold Coast Potters Association at Benowa. (Gold Coast Ceramic Artist, Megan Puls stand is in the background of the pic below)

and there is nothing like getting festive with hand made ceramics as my Banksia’s are warmly welcomed for Christmas gifts.

Adding some sparkle to the Christmas tree is some of my Ceramic Crosses sparkling with lustre on the tree,

And it is also adorned with the handmade work of Northern Rivers Glass artist Jacqueline King, Melbourne ceramic artist Adriana Christianson and beautiful floral crosses from Ireland – Hillgrove Pottery.

Whoever your favourite artist or crafts person is – I hope your Christmas tree or your home has the pleasure of adorning one of their pieces so you and your family and friends can take pleasure from hand crafted works of art this Christmas or all year round.  When you buy hand made you are supporting local artists and local communities.

And if you need some more ideas for buying hand made ceramics check out the other ceramic artists at Mud Colony and see the beautiful works they have created with love, passion and care.

Merry Christmas everyone and I hope you create and share some happy and precious memories during this Christmas period.

Debby xxxx

Handmade for Christmas

It is getting busy now coming  up to Christmas.

This Sunday is the Gold Coast Potters Association Christmas Craft Markets.  There will be some fantastic work at the Benowa Gallery along with the annual exhibition of members of Gold Coast Potters.  Come along and check out some of my Banksia creations.  I have taken the pledge to give handmade gifts and shop local this Christmas.

SO join me at the markets and support some of the local crafts people by buying handmade presents for Christmas this year.

http://www.goldcoastpotters.com/

Around the Northern Rivers area there is a fabulous exhibition of TAFE Students at Lismore TAFE opening this weekend.  Art Piece Gallery Mullumbimby has an exhibition of TAFE Murwillumbah graduating students.   Serpentine Gallery has an exhibition by Scott Whittingham.

The Art CUBE at Mullumbimby  Byron Council Chambers will have a changeover this week.   Details of the new work will be posted shortly.

And exciting news – After a full on year of studying –  I will be graduating with a Grad Cert in Visual Arts from Australian National University this year.

And as always Don’t forget to check out what’s happening at Mud Colony. http://mudcolony.blogspot.com.au/

Happy clay days

Debby

Happy Birthday Mud Colony and wising my fellow mud colonists many more years of playing with clay

– Mud Colony turns one and there is a fantastic Giveaway from Adriana Christianson

SO check it out and leave a comment on the Mud Colony site and you could be a winner

Debby xxxxx