Patsy Hely produces delicate, porcelain objects often based around functional domestic ware, with a conceptual thread running through each body of work. Fluid shapes and a perception of fragility typify her unmistakable style, which has attracted a wide and committed following. She enjoys working with slip-casting porcelain, which can achieve a delicate translucency: “I like the paradox between substantial and insubstantial - on the one hand it is the toughest material, dense and hard when high fired, yet when it is translucent it seems so barely there.” Ceramic pieces have traditionally been presented in groups, and Hely sees enormous scope for interaction and improvisation between pieces when working within a “set “. It is this transformation of domestic object into idea, combined with technical mastery of porcelain and glazing techniques, that makes her work so rewarding.

Patsy Hely is one of Australia's foremost contemporary ceramic artists. She studied at the National Art School, graduating in 1979, and was senior lecturer in the ceramics studio in the School of Contemporary Arts, Southern Cross University. She is currently undertaking a PhD at the School of Art, Australian National University. Her work is represented in many public collections including National Gallery of Australia, Victoria and Albert Museum(UK), Powerhouse Museum, Parliament House Collection, Art Gallery of Western Australia and Art Gallery of South Australia.