deborahgowerceramics

Canberra was fantastic last week. At the Australian National University I was immersed in clay, learning so much from Janet De Boos and Greg Daly. I cant recommend the ANU ceramics course highly enough. I made some new ceramic friends and learnt a few new throwing techniques as well.

While I was in Canberra I did some family tree research and I want to sincerely thank the soldier who placed a poppy on the wall of remembrance for one of my relatives. The Australian War Memorial has so much to see. Discovery and Interaction, exhibits and a research area – not to mention some great sculptures. The memorial dome and the eternal flame are places to sit awhile and remember those who gave their lives.

and then it was home to my studio to contemplate how lucky I am to be able to play with clay and to check out other ceramicists like my friends at Mud Colony – check them out – http://mudcolony.blogspot.com.au/
http://www.mudcolony.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/document.html?m=1

Happy clays days
Debby

The best of this week came in the form of seeing the talented Hayden Mathrick demonstrating how to sprew with wax, the inspiring Ray Cavill http://www.raycavill.com/  show us some throwing and turning techniques, and an insightful talk by Marcelle Townsend-Cross on Indigenous Ways of Cultural Expression.

So much to learn so little time – and Dont forget to check out whats happening with everyone at Mud Colony <a href="http:// http://www.mudcolony.blogspot.com.au/” title=”Mud Colony” target=”_blank”>
Happy clay days everyone

Debby

There are some interesting tips to get motivated on Empty Easel this week http://emptyeasel.com/2012/06/26/5-productivity-tips-for-procrastinating-artists/
I always find going to exhibitions, open days, or the beach gets me inspired. And on rainy days – looking through ceramic mags like the Journal of Australian Ceramics just fills me with ideas and appreciation for other potters.
Last weekend I went to Tweed Arts Unlimted Open Day at Tweed Heads – Potters, Spinners, Weavers, Embrodierers and Painters – such a creative group. Whatever inspires you – do it

Happy clay days
Debby

Enter Now “Did you know that for an entry fee of $30 (which all goes to Heartfelt House) your work will be featured on Facebook, on the website and in a commemorative book at the end of the exhibitions regardless of selection as a Finalist?…can’t top that for value!

As the rest of the world rushed on I felt like I was walking in the footsteps of Ellis Rohan last week – Flower Hunting in the Cairns Botanical Gardens. A fantastic free guided tour I was amazed at the flowers out in Winter and seduced by the exhibition Sex and Death. Orchids and Carnivorous plants are certainly enticing. And so it was a week refuelling in tropical Cairns letting inspiration carry me through the gardens, the tablelands, the beaches and the galleries.

I also ventured into Cairns Library which is a beautiful old building and happened upon an interesting display of pieces from their Sister Cities all over the world.

And my usual stops – Cairns Regional Gallery had a superb exhibition by Robert Baines and Tom Risley was exhibiting at the Cairns Contemporary Art Gallery. Check them out if you are up that way.
And speaking of checking things out – Don’t forget to check out what’s happening at Mud Colony this week http://www.mudcolony.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/document.html?m=1

This week is the last week of the first semster and some stunning work has emerged from my fellow students – take a look at these works by Cassandra Purdon,Clare Urquhart and Rahima Jackson, – Well done guys.

I have been working on some pieces for the Brisbane Grammar Art Show “If” to be exhibited in Brisbane later this year.

And as always on a Thursday I am about to check out what everyone else has been up to at Mud Colony. Adriana has been working on business cards, Anna lets us in on the background of Boab trees, Katy Mitchell is back with some fantastic news and there is lots more to find out – Check it out with me at http://www.mudcolony.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/document_23.html?m=1

And dont forget to see whats happening around the world at our favourite blog site http://www.mudcolony.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/document.html?m=1