6 - 25 September 2012
about the exhibition
David Pottinger’s porcelain works have firmly established him as one of Australia’s foremost ceramic artists. His cylindrical forms are immediately identifiable by delicately patterned, rhythmic surface qualities that invoke textile mediums as much as ceramic vessels. Appearing monochrome at first, under the spell of light a spectrum of muted pastel tones is revealed inviting a closer inspection and lending a subtle vitality to the work. David has achieved a translucent effect in his vessels through the delicate layering of materials that allow light to pass through. The technique is known as “Nerikomi” a Japanese term that refers to the layering, cutting and fusing of different coloured clays and David applies this ancient technique to his work to achieve a distinctly contemporary effect. The clay itself is impregnated with colour and pattern, the outside surface thereby mirrored on the inside of the vessel. Through their organic material and sensitive tonal range, David’s vessels reference the natural world. The pieces also suggest sedimentary formations in rocks or minerals, bringing about interesting analogies with the very material used and adding depth to an already complex visual dialogue.
David Pottinger was born in Dalby, Queensland, and lives and works in Melbourne. In 1987, he received an Associate Diploma in Ceramics which led to an Honours Degree at RMIT in 2002, and a Masters Degree in 2004. In 2001, he was the recipient of a Siemens Fine Arts Scholarship Award. Recently, David has participated in several high profile international exhibitions including SOFA Chicago, USA in 2007 where he was represented by Beaver Galleries and in 2008 in ‘Collect’ at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. His work is represented in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia; National Gallery of Victoria; Art Gallery of South Australia; Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Shepparton Art Gallery, Victoria.
