New porcelain | Beaver Galleries

27 April – 14 May 2017

about the exhibition

Prue Venables has established a national and international reputation as one of Australia’s leading contemporary ceramic artists. Motivated by a particular interest in functional objects and a search for simplicity, quietness and an essential stillness, Prue makes objects that are pared back, serene and deceptively simple. These beautiful porcelain objects disguise the laborious making process involved. Through her work, Prue explores a multitude of references, ranging from musical harmonies and spaces through to functional objects. 19th Century industrial English pottery and contemporary metal and plastic objects are of particular interest. Her graceful forms are made to be used and handled but also embody sculptural and spacial interactions to reflect musical rhythm and even a quiet pause for breath.

Prue Venables was born in England but grew up in Australia before returning to England in 1977 to study ceramics at the renowned Harrow School of Art. After teaching and practicing ceramics in the UK for 12 years, Prue returned to Australia in 1989 and has continued to exhibit widely in Australia, Japan, Europe, Asia and the USA. She has won many awards and her work is in significant collections including the National Gallery of Australia, Fuping Museum (China), Auckland Museum and Gallery (New Zealand) and the state galleries of Queensland, Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia.

exhibition images

1. $650 Celadon fluted bowl – cast porcelain, 10.5 x 20.5 x 20.5cm

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2. $1,650 Black tea caddy with lid, red metal spoon – hand thrown and altered porcelain, beaten copper, silver rivets, powder coated, 13.5 x 10.5 x 10.5cm (tea caddy), 14.5 x 6cm (spoon)

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3. $1,850 Black tea caddy with lid, white tea strainer – hand thrown and altered porcelain, pierced, wooden handle, 14 x 12 x 12cm (tea caddy), 8 x 6 x 5.5cm (tea strainer)

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4. $2,900 White tea caddy with lid, funnel with pierced strainer, black vessel and white spoon – hand thrown and altered porcelain, pierced, 13.5 x 8 x 8cm (tea caddy), 15.5 x 11 x 11cm (funnel with pierced strainer), 8 x 8.5 x 6cm (vessel), 17 x 2.5 x 1.5cm (spoon)

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5. $750 Pair of white cups and red metal tea strainer – hand thrown and altered porcelain, beaten copper, silver rivets, powder coated, 8 x 10.5 x 7.5cm (cups, each), 2 x 13 x 5cm (tea strainer)

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6. $2,800 Black and white trio – hand thrown and altered porcelain, pierced, wooden handle, 14 x 11 x 11cm (tea caddy), 8 x 17 x 17cm (cup and saucer), 8 x 15 x 5.5cm (tea strainer)

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7. $650 Matt white fluted bowl – cast porcelain, 10 x 20 x 20cm

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8. $650 Matt black fluted bowl – cast porcelain, 10.5 x 20.5 x 20.5cm

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9. $450 White fluted dish and red metal spoon – hand thrown and altered porcelain, beaten copper, silver rivets, powder coated, 3.5 x 7 x 7cm (dish), 9 x 5 x 6cm (spoon)

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10. $1,500 Celadon teapot, sugar pot, jug and tea strainer – cast porcelain, pierced, 16 x 15 x 9.5cm (teapot), 8 x 6 x 5cm (sugar pot). 8.5 x 7 x 5.5cm (jug), 13.5 x 7 x 5cm (tea strainer)

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