17 October - 3 November 2019
about the exhibition
‘Precious nature’ brings together the work of three contemporary Australian ceramicists – Julie Bartholomew, Shannon Garson and Fiona Hiscock. Their work stems from a deep respect of the natural world often with a focus on secluded and threatened ecosystems. Shannon’s work in the exhibition draws inspiration from the flora and fauna she observes on evening walks in the area of marshland near her Queensland home. As Shannon says, “The work for this exhibition is based on this strange little wild area of marshland near my house. I go walking there as the night falls and the land seems to settle in for the evening as the welcome swallows swoop and dive in the pale blue air. Domestic forms such as vases, bowls and beakers that we are all so familiar with, provide a window that leads the viewer into the drawing and over and under all the surfaces of the form. I think these shapes encourage the idea of touching the artwork, getting closer, examining the tiny, hidden details, this is a metaphor for what happens when you are bush walking or beachcombing.”
Shannon Garson completed her Bachelor of Visual Arts, Queensland University of Technology in 1993 majoring as a painter. Shortly after, she began decorating ceramics which then led her to throwing her own vessels. In 2005 Shannon was awarded the Churchill Fellowship which allowed her to travel to France and Italy studying the ceramics before undertaking a four week residency at Dartington Pottery in Devon, UK. She has been exhibiting since 2000, both throughout Australia and internationally.
