Since 2000
Edge of Extinction - Mulgara 2023 ceramic
A Conversation about Conservation (and Art).
A visitor to Shop7 Artspace Gallery in Bermagui asked me about one of my sculptures on display as she was intrigued by the liveliness of the animal. I told her about the endangered Mulgara, a small marsupial and that it was released into a Safety Zone area in Sturt National Park New South Wales. To make the piece I pressed the clay into the bark of an old River Red Gum to achieve the impression of desert gibber and low sandstone hills. I added textures representing the safety fence and the hoof prints of goats. Colours and textures of the glazes reflected the sandy rocky desert soils. These explanations contributed to her understanding of the animal and it's situation as well as the symbolism in the artwork.
Bushfire Memorials
Sculpture Bermagui 2021
Kingfisher Memorial 2012 ceramic H 45cm
Works In Progress
Works in progress for Ivy Hill Gallery, Wapengo NSW, feature endangered or threatened species in my local area. All works are hollow handbuilt structures using Feeneys Buff raku clay. The exhibition with Cheryl Davison and Katherine Boland will be held from January 17th 2019 to February 17th 2019.
Little Johns Tree Frog detail 2018
Little Tern Monument in progress 2018
Long-nosed Potoroo Monument to be glazed 2018
Sculpture Bermagui 2019
A common sight on road trips around Australia, animals take advantage of road kill for food at the risk of endangering their own lives. The hand-made fence posts are a vantage point, an example of the ability of nature to adapt to human intrusion in their environment. Two of these sculptures (Road Kill and Fatal Attraction) were acquired by the Bermagui Business Award at Sculpture Bermagui 2019.
Fatal Attraction (detail)
3 Posts 2019
Road Kill, Foraging Falcon and Fatal Attraction
ceramic average height 140cm
Restless Earth
Restless Earth March 16-April 4 2018 with graphic artist Ivana Gattegno at Spiral Gallery Bega, New South Wales. The title was inspired by Professor Brian Cox who said "Earth is our ancestor. The restless earth is your creator". My sculptures are about the connection between all living species through evolution. The local coastline is the source of texture, form and colours.
Sculpture in the Paddock is an annual event held in Murrumbateman, 30kms north of Canberra at Shaw Vineyard Estate from 22 September to 7th October. Three of my sculptures are showing, Devonian Timeline, Embryonic Timeline and Ancestor Timeline. All are inspired by evolution with reference to fossils, geological features and the common origins of all living species. They stand in a paddock affected by the severe drought and signs of kangaroos seeking food.
'Road to Extinction' at Spiral Gallery 20th Anniversary Show
'Road to Extinction' is the title of the ceramic sculpture I have entered in Spiral Gallery's exhibition, celebrating it's 20th year as a volunteer run art space. The piece comments on the depletion of species of Australian native animals due to the alarming amount of animals killed on Australia's roads. The raven however benefits from this phenomenon as a source of food, highlighting the resilience of nature. Spiral Gallery in Bega, New South Wales is celebrating its 20th anniversary from 13th January to 8th February 2017. The show features the work of 57 of the 72 past and present members. The gallery was started in 1997 by Barb Crowden and has been run entirely by volunteers. The exhibition will tour to The Q Exhibition Space in Queanbeyan, New South Wales where it will be open from February 28th to March 18th.
Conserving Native Wildlife
The conservation of environments that support native species is of great importance for the future of biodiversity. I hope my sculptures inspired by Australian animals will raise an appreciation of our unique fauna. These pieces are raku fired as this is the technique that achieves the texture and colours most reflective of native bush.
'Shimmer Summer' is on at Spiral Gallery from 2 December 2016 to 11 January 2017. Here is a sample of the sea themed creatures I have raku-fired for the exhibition.
Inspiring Spires
The spires of Camel Rock on the Far South Coast of New South Wales are a constant inspiration for my artworks.
Curious Kookaburra
A completed commission for a kookaburra post after the last one 'flew' to New York.
Functional Sculpture
While installing a sculpture I was pleased to see the patron pour water into the top of the birdbath allowing it to cascade from the lip onto the bird below. The glazes were enhanced by the sparkle of water.
Sydney Art Exposure
Over the weekend of the 14th and 15th May, I participated in the Piramma Park Food and Wine and Art Festival held in Pyrmont, Sydney. Thousands of people attended the amazing location on the edge of Sydney Harbour. Rosby Winery of Mudgee organised the display of artwork by several sculptors to promote Sculptures in the Garden in Mudgee in October. It was a worthwhile experience for promotion, exposure and sales.
Sculpture on the Edge 2016
This year is the 10th anniversary of Sculpture on the Edge at Bermagui, New South Wales. Every year, the event manager, Jan Ireland has co-ordinated this spectacular display of artworks from a wide variety of national and local artists. This is a challenging task considering the cost and effort involved in getting sculptures to a fairly remote location. The exhibition runs from 5th to 14th March with large sculptures on Endeavour Point Headland and smaller works in the Bermagui Community Hall.
Cat Naps
Only a cat can relax in such impossible poses! Portraits of some of the cats I have lived with, these sculptures were pit-fired and smoked with gum-leaves.
Postscript to Sculptures in the Gardens 2015
Many kilometres have been covered since the installation of the 3 post sculptures at Rosby Winery in Mudgee in October. The pieces looked in their element in the gracious farmhouse gardens surrounded by green paddocks and gumtrees. The Hawk Post and Lizard Post were acquired during the weekend event which was attended by two and a half thousand people with over half of the sculptures sold raising funds for the Guide Dogs Association. The Raven Post was later displayed at the Huntington Estate Music Festival supported by Musica Viva Australia in November, where it was also purchased. Now I am thinking about next years work and have started experimenting again.
Artisans Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens 2016
Lion Gate Lodge in the grounds of the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens, is the venue for Artisans in the Gardens this year from 10th to 18th October. The exhibition features the work of contemporary and traditional artists of jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles and sculpture. The curator Julieanne Mills says that when selecting participants, "We look for artistic merit, for originality and for relevance to the Garden". Below are some examples of the pieces I will have on display.
Artisans in the Gardens 2015 preview
I have been invited to participate in a group exhibition of artists at Artisans in the Gardens in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. The sculptures assume postures typical of the creature's behavior. The surfaces created using raku firing techniques evoke the natural environment of the Australian bush where these animals exist. They were smoked in the reduction firing with callistemon and gum leaves.
Washed Ashore
Washed Ashore was an exhibition held at Spiral Gallery, Bega, New South Wales in 2012. It was an interesting exercise in using found objects from the beach to combine colour, texture and form to create small sculptures that were evocative of lifeforms from the ocean environment.
Form at Kerrie Lowe Gallery
Bob and I drove up to busy, cold, wet Newtown in Sydney to drop off one of my sculptures called Fateful Encounter at the Kerrie Lowe Gallery. They are presenting their first exhibition of purely sculptural ceramics called 'form: an exhibition of ceramic sculpture' from 17th July until 4 August 2015. You can follow the link to the gallery here
http://www.kerrielowe.com/
Behold Gaia
My first large-scale sculpture was made in my studio space at Strathnairn Arts Association in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. The theme for the work was based on the concept that Gaia the Earth goddess represents the complex relationship between organisms and their inorganic surroundings. The figure is surrounded by a life supporting spiral of water and images such as the amoeba, the first plants and insects and early mammals have been appliqued onto the surface. It was exhibited in 2007 at the Legislative Assembly in 'Atmosphere of Hope' an exhibition by the Wild Art group consisting of a collection of artists from the Far South Coast of NSW that has been exhibiting since the 1980's.
The Structure of Shells
Shells, in particular old decaying ones, have inspired my figurative sculptures. I find the interior spiral structure of their form is reminiscent of the human skeleton. I wonder at the similarities between living things through our common ancestors eons ago.
Living with Sculpture
It is interesting to see how people place your sculpture in a space. Sea Foam now resides in a beautiful beach house overlooking a coastal inlet and the patron has sensitively placed the sculpture to reflect the colours and grace of the gumtrees and garden.
Raku in a Rubbish Bin
An inexpensive and efficient raku kiln can be made from a metal rubbish bin lined with ceramic fibre. You will need a couple of firebricks to support the piece of kiln shelf inside the bin which sits above the flame from the gas burner. The kiln is fueled by an 8.5 kg gas cylinder. Details for dimensions of this type of kiln can be found on the internet, as well as suppliers for specialist raku equipment such as burners, regulators and tongs. A second metal bin is used for post-firing reduction. Below are two pieces fired in my raku kiln that will be part of an installation at Sculpture on the Edge, Bermagui, NSW 28th February to 9th March 2015 .
Living Universe
Brian Cox in the Human Universe television series holds me spellbound with his ability to help one understand and contemplate the uniqueness of life in the Universe. I never cease to wonder at the evolution of species and our conscious awareness of questions such as 'Why are we here?' and 'Are we alone?' My recent sculptures are about the inseparable connection between humans and other life forms.
Sculpture in a Spectacular Space
From February 28th to March 9th 2015 Sculpture on the Edge at Bermagui, New South Wales was held for the 9th year in succession. I have participated in 8 of these exhibitions and still find the location spectacular for the large sculptures on the headland as it overlooks Horseshoe Bay and Guluga, an extinct volcano of great significance to the local Yuin Aboriginal people. There was also a large display of small sculptures held in the Community Centre. The event has been possible through the dedication and persistence of Jan Ireland, the event coordinator. Jan is passionate about the importance of art in the community, especially the impact on children. She says 'The connection between art and well-being is clearly documented and our children need the balance given by exposure to and the practice of art.' I gave a workshop to a group of 3-5 year olds at Little Yuin Aboriginal Pre-School as part of the event. The theme was 'starfish' and the textured tiles will be installed on the wall of the building in the formation of the Southern Cross constellation.
Morphogenesis
Although we are not always aware of it, we are a part of nature. I believe contact with the natural environment is necessary for our well-being. These figure sculptures are about the symbiotic existence of humans with plants and refer to the common evolution of all living things.
Shadows
These Australian native animals (bush mice and potoroos) are rarely seen due to their timidity, often nocturnal habits and lack of numbers due to threats from clearing of their natural environment and competition from introduced species. This is a selection of sculptures fired in my raku kiln made from a fibre-lined rubbish bin fueled by gas and reduced in leaf litter.
Weird or Wonder-full
Aboriginal Pre-school Project
Sculptures in the Garden
Homage to Leo
This piece was commissioned by friends who had a property on the edge of Little Cuttagee Lake, NSW. The creatures depicted on the totem lived around their house including the large Diamond Python.
Artisans in the Gardens
'Artisans in the Gardens' is an exhibition of art at the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens and Liongate Lodge from October 19th to 27th, 2013. Sculpture, ceramics, glass, textiles, jewellery and object design by more than 60 artists are included. My installation 'Dusk' is inspired by some of the inhabitants in the Gardens likely to appear after visitors have left.
Earth Goddess
The Canberra Potters Society asked me to co-ordinate a community project in 2006. I designed a large totem representing the nurturer of Mother Earth decorated with groups of species of Austalian animals. I made large clay modules (formed around plastic bins) in order for the public to cut out stencils or their own design of animals to be decorated with coloured slips and appliqued onto the surface of the modules. After firing, the sculpture was installed in the grounds of the centre.
More Experiments
After a workshop with Matthias Osterman in 2006 at the Canberra Potters Society I started to experiment with Maiolica glazes on sculptural work allowing a much broader colour palette than I had previously used. As well as making my own clay I pushed the medium to defy gravity with such works as Sailing Soul and Eve-olution.
Experimental Paradise
After leaving art teaching in 2005 I was fortunate to be offered a studio at Strathnairn Arts Association, a not-for-profit arts facility funded by the Australian Capital Territory government on 25 acres of farmland on the outskirts of Canberra. Apart from having a wonderful light studio space, there were 18 kilns to contemplate and use! I shared the large studio with some inspiring ceramic artists both resident and visiting. I also shared it with a variety of birds and fauna such as the echidna that wandered inside and left footprints in my clay.
It was a chance to experiment in paradise. I explored many techniques and ideas, some of these were displayed in Symbiosis, an exhibition at Strathnairn Homestead Gallery with Strathnairn studioholder and ceramic sculptor Vivien Lightfoot in 2006.
Restless Earth March 16-April 4 2018 with graphic artist Ivana Gattegno at Spiral Gallery Bega, New South Wales. The title was inspired by Professor Brian Cox who said "Earth is our ancestor. The restless earth is your creator". My sculptures are about the connection between all living species through evolution. The local coastline is the source of texture, form and colours.
Continuum 2018 ceramic H 55cm
Spirula Spirit 2018 ceramic H 28cm
Birth of Devonia 2018 ceramic H 25cm
Seaphalopod 2018 ceramic H 25cm
Kelp Bird 2018 ceramic H 20cm
Sculpture In The Paddock 2018
Restless Earth Preview
For the last couple of months I have been developing ideas for a body of work for an exhibition called Restless Earth
to be held at Spiral Gallery, Bega, New South Wales in March/April
2018. The exhibition will be held with Ivana Gattegno who creates works
on paper. The common theme in our artwork is about expressing a sense of
place and the importance of identity to the landscape and environment. I
was inspired by Professor Brian Cox who said 'Earth is our ancestor.
The restless earth is your creator'. In this exhibition I am exploring
my heritage and connection to other life forms through evolution.
Sharks Egg Bird 2018 ceramic H 18cm
Sailing Through Time 2018 ceramic H 17cm
Sculpture in the Paddock is an annual event held in Murrumbateman, 30kms north of Canberra at Shaw Vineyard Estate from 22 September to 7th October. Three of my sculptures are showing, Devonian Timeline, Embryonic Timeline and Ancestor Timeline. All are inspired by evolution with reference to fossils, geological features and the common origins of all living species. They stand in a paddock affected by the severe drought and signs of kangaroos seeking food.
Timelines ceramic avg H 148cm 2018
Ancestor Timeline 2018 ceramic H 78cm
'Road to Extinction' at Spiral Gallery 20th Anniversary Show
'Road to Extinction' is the title of the ceramic sculpture I have entered in Spiral Gallery's exhibition, celebrating it's 20th year as a volunteer run art space. The piece comments on the depletion of species of Australian native animals due to the alarming amount of animals killed on Australia's roads. The raven however benefits from this phenomenon as a source of food, highlighting the resilience of nature. Spiral Gallery in Bega, New South Wales is celebrating its 20th anniversary from 13th January to 8th February 2017. The show features the work of 57 of the 72 past and present members. The gallery was started in 1997 by Barb Crowden and has been run entirely by volunteers. The exhibition will tour to The Q Exhibition Space in Queanbeyan, New South Wales where it will be open from February 28th to March 18th.
Road to Extinction 2018 ceramic H 127cm
Conserving Native Wildlife
The conservation of environments that support native species is of great importance for the future of biodiversity. I hope my sculptures inspired by Australian animals will raise an appreciation of our unique fauna. These pieces are raku fired as this is the technique that achieves the texture and colours most reflective of native bush.
Mossy Quoll 2018 raku H 14cm
Preening raku 2018 H 15cm
Gum Leaves Volplana 2016
Summer at Spiral 2016
Carbon Connection
Carbon is the common element of all known life. The balance between
humans and other living forms is critical and we must not forget that
the natural world is the source of all life.
Carbon Connection 2017 raku H 20cm
'Shimmer Summer' is on at Spiral Gallery from 2 December 2016 to 11 January 2017. Here is a sample of the sea themed creatures I have raku-fired for the exhibition.
Bathing Seabird 2016 raku H 15cm
Smouldering Valkyrie 2016 raku H 15cm
Inspiring Spires
The spires of Camel Rock on the Far South Coast of New South Wales are a constant inspiration for my artworks.
Diving Tern 2016 H 35cm
Visual Diaries 2016
Camel Rock, Bermagui, New South Wales
Curious Kookaburra
A completed commission for a kookaburra post after the last one 'flew' to New York.
Kookaburra Post 2016 H 65cm
Functional Sculpture
While installing a sculpture I was pleased to see the patron pour water into the top of the birdbath allowing it to cascade from the lip onto the bird below. The glazes were enhanced by the sparkle of water.
Cormorant Birdbath 2016 ceramic H 95cm
Water feature on site
Sydney Art Exposure
Over the weekend of the 14th and 15th May, I participated in the Piramma Park Food and Wine and Art Festival held in Pyrmont, Sydney. Thousands of people attended the amazing location on the edge of Sydney Harbour. Rosby Winery of Mudgee organised the display of artwork by several sculptors to promote Sculptures in the Garden in Mudgee in October. It was a worthwhile experience for promotion, exposure and sales.
Kookaburra Hunt 2016 ceramic H 67 cm
Water Dragon Pylon detail 2016 H 108 cm
Blue Roo 2016 H 93cm
Sculptures in the Garden 2016
This year Edmund Capon, former director of the Art Gallery of New
South Wales will open Sculptures in the Garden 2016 at Rosby Winery,
Mudgee, NSW. He said "events like ...Sculptures in the Garden have made
such a contribution to our appreciation of the art of sculpture, it is
no longer the poor cousin in the story of Australian art but a lively
centrepiece." The event runs over the weekend of the 8th and 9th of
October. I have been invited to participate and have had 5 sculptures
accepted, including 'Tawny Frogmouth Tree'.
Tawny Frogmouth Tree 2016 H 100cm
Sculpture on the Edge 2016
This year is the 10th anniversary of Sculpture on the Edge at Bermagui, New South Wales. Every year, the event manager, Jan Ireland has co-ordinated this spectacular display of artworks from a wide variety of national and local artists. This is a challenging task considering the cost and effort involved in getting sculptures to a fairly remote location. The exhibition runs from 5th to 14th March with large sculptures on Endeavour Point Headland and smaller works in the Bermagui Community Hall.
Posts
ceramic average H 110cm 2016
Wandering Wallaby 2016 H 74cm
Cat Naps
Only a cat can relax in such impossible poses! Portraits of some of the cats I have lived with, these sculptures were pit-fired and smoked with gum-leaves.
Reclining Cats 1980
Approximate dimensions of each piece, H 15cm W 45cm D 35cm
Postscript to Sculptures in the Gardens 2015
Many kilometres have been covered since the installation of the 3 post sculptures at Rosby Winery in Mudgee in October. The pieces looked in their element in the gracious farmhouse gardens surrounded by green paddocks and gumtrees. The Hawk Post and Lizard Post were acquired during the weekend event which was attended by two and a half thousand people with over half of the sculptures sold raising funds for the Guide Dogs Association. The Raven Post was later displayed at the Huntington Estate Music Festival supported by Musica Viva Australia in November, where it was also purchased. Now I am thinking about next years work and have started experimenting again.
Hawk Post ceramic H 128cm 2015
Posts in situ 2015
Sculptures in the Garden 2015
Sculptures in the Garden has been running since 2012 at Mudgee, New South Wales in the grounds of a beautiful country property called Rosby Wines and Guesthouse.
Over 200 artists will be exhibiting large scale outdoor sculpture over
the weekend of 10th and 11th October. Being a not for profit
organisation, proceeds go towards the Guide Dogs Association and a
public sculpture walk in Mudgee. I have been invited to exhibit again
this year and below is a preview of the work I am showing. These
sculptures are inspired by my observations of the way animals use human
structures to their advantage such as for camouflage, viewing points or
sunning platforms.
Hawk Post detail
Raven Post detail
Lizard Post 2015 H 132cm
Artisans Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens 2016
Lion Gate Lodge in the grounds of the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens, is the venue for Artisans in the Gardens this year from 10th to 18th October. The exhibition features the work of contemporary and traditional artists of jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles and sculpture. The curator Julieanne Mills says that when selecting participants, "We look for artistic merit, for originality and for relevance to the Garden". Below are some examples of the pieces I will have on display.
Part of the group of Native Animals for Artisans 2016
Mossy Dibbler 2016 raku L 19cm
Moonlight Marsupial 2016 raku H 20cm
Artisans in the Gardens 2015 preview
I have been invited to participate in a group exhibition of artists at Artisans in the Gardens in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. The sculptures assume postures typical of the creature's behavior. The surfaces created using raku firing techniques evoke the natural environment of the Australian bush where these animals exist. They were smoked in the reduction firing with callistemon and gum leaves.
Frosted Bandicoot 2016 raku L 19cm
Raku Native Animals
Raku Bin Firing in progress
Joy Georgeson with raku kiln and studio 2015
Washed Ashore
Washed Ashore was an exhibition held at Spiral Gallery, Bega, New South Wales in 2012. It was an interesting exercise in using found objects from the beach to combine colour, texture and form to create small sculptures that were evocative of lifeforms from the ocean environment.
Leaping 2015 found objects H 16cm
Preening 2015 found objects H 18cm
Feeding 2015 found objects H 15cm
Form at Kerrie Lowe Gallery
Bob and I drove up to busy, cold, wet Newtown in Sydney to drop off one of my sculptures called Fateful Encounter at the Kerrie Lowe Gallery. They are presenting their first exhibition of purely sculptural ceramics called 'form: an exhibition of ceramic sculpture' from 17th July until 4 August 2015. You can follow the link to the gallery here
http://www.kerrielowe.com/
Fateful Encounters H 80cm 2015
Behold Gaia
My first large-scale sculpture was made in my studio space at Strathnairn Arts Association in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. The theme for the work was based on the concept that Gaia the Earth goddess represents the complex relationship between organisms and their inorganic surroundings. The figure is surrounded by a life supporting spiral of water and images such as the amoeba, the first plants and insects and early mammals have been appliqued onto the surface. It was exhibited in 2007 at the Legislative Assembly in 'Atmosphere of Hope' an exhibition by the Wild Art group consisting of a collection of artists from the Far South Coast of NSW that has been exhibiting since the 1980's.
Joy Georgeson with Behold Gaia 2.2 metres 2007
The Structure of Shells
Shells, in particular old decaying ones, have inspired my figurative sculptures. I find the interior spiral structure of their form is reminiscent of the human skeleton. I wonder at the similarities between living things through our common ancestors eons ago.
Human Heritage 2009 H 120cm
Eons 2009 H 80cm
Wave Shigure 2009 H 45cm
Living with Sculpture
It is interesting to see how people place your sculpture in a space. Sea Foam now resides in a beautiful beach house overlooking a coastal inlet and the patron has sensitively placed the sculpture to reflect the colours and grace of the gumtrees and garden.
Cormorant Companion 2014 H 32cm ceramic
Photograph by Gaye MacLennan
Raku in a Rubbish Bin
An inexpensive and efficient raku kiln can be made from a metal rubbish bin lined with ceramic fibre. You will need a couple of firebricks to support the piece of kiln shelf inside the bin which sits above the flame from the gas burner. The kiln is fueled by an 8.5 kg gas cylinder. Details for dimensions of this type of kiln can be found on the internet, as well as suppliers for specialist raku equipment such as burners, regulators and tongs. A second metal bin is used for post-firing reduction. Below are two pieces fired in my raku kiln that will be part of an installation at Sculpture on the Edge, Bermagui, NSW 28th February to 9th March 2015 .
Blush H 12cm raku 2015
Preening H 12cm raku 2015
Joy Georgeson and her assistant Bob raku firing
Living Universe
Brian Cox in the Human Universe television series holds me spellbound with his ability to help one understand and contemplate the uniqueness of life in the Universe. I never cease to wonder at the evolution of species and our conscious awareness of questions such as 'Why are we here?' and 'Are we alone?' My recent sculptures are about the inseparable connection between humans and other life forms.
Cormorant Connections 2015 H 60cm
Fateful Encounter 2015 H 80cm
Sculpture in a Spectacular Space
From February 28th to March 9th 2015 Sculpture on the Edge at Bermagui, New South Wales was held for the 9th year in succession. I have participated in 8 of these exhibitions and still find the location spectacular for the large sculptures on the headland as it overlooks Horseshoe Bay and Guluga, an extinct volcano of great significance to the local Yuin Aboriginal people. There was also a large display of small sculptures held in the Community Centre. The event has been possible through the dedication and persistence of Jan Ireland, the event coordinator. Jan is passionate about the importance of art in the community, especially the impact on children. She says 'The connection between art and well-being is clearly documented and our children need the balance given by exposure to and the practice of art.' I gave a workshop to a group of 3-5 year olds at Little Yuin Aboriginal Pre-School as part of the event. The theme was 'starfish' and the textured tiles will be installed on the wall of the building in the formation of the Southern Cross constellation.
Possum Trees 2015 H 160 cm
Detail of above sculptures
Morphogenesis
Although we are not always aware of it, we are a part of nature. I believe contact with the natural environment is necessary for our well-being. These figure sculptures are about the symbiotic existence of humans with plants and refer to the common evolution of all living things.
Rose Woman 2006 L 23cm raku
Black Rose 2006 L 31cm pit-fired
Baroque Rose 2006 L 30cm raku
Lichen Woman 2006 L 25cm raku
Shadows
These Australian native animals (bush mice and potoroos) are rarely seen due to their timidity, often nocturnal habits and lack of numbers due to threats from clearing of their natural environment and competition from introduced species. This is a selection of sculptures fired in my raku kiln made from a fibre-lined rubbish bin fueled by gas and reduced in leaf litter.
Shadows in the Forest H 19 x 45cm 2014
Weird or Wonder-full
Although this piece was rejected for selection for a local regional
gallery exhibition, I feel that the public should see it. It is my
response to a theme 'In the shadow of the mountains' depicting rare and
endangered animals in the Bega Valley Shire that live in the forest and
coastal regions of the area. A collector of my work told me that there
were 'honest artists' and 'safe artists', the former creating art with
passion and others who work within the current trends in art. I have
always attempted to create works from my heart regardless of fashions,
popularity. My work may not reflect the current trends, but it
is honest.
Seldom Seen 2014 H 38cm
Aboriginal Pre-school Project
In
2008 I worked with children from the Little Yuin Aboriginal Pre-school
at Wallaga Lake on the Far South Coast of New South Wales to create
stepping stones for a dry creek bed in the school grounds. I designed
the native animals and drew the image in the slabs of clay while the
children aged between 2 and 5 years old used natural objects to press
into the clay to indicate surface texture of the animal and the
surrounding environment. The steps were decorated with oxides and
engobes and fired to 1200 degrees celcius.
Goomara the Ringtail Possum 2008
Gurrie the Snake 2008
Janan-Gabatch the Echidna 2008
Koogoonyaroo the Kookaburra 2008
Sculptures in the Garden
Over a weekend on the 11th and 12th of October 2014 I participated in a
sculpture event at Mudgee called Sculptures in the Garden in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales.
The exhibition was set in the grounds of a beautiful old grand farmhouse
called Rosby surrounded by a mixture of exotic and native
vegetation plus vineyards. Commission from sales raised $20,000 for the
Guide Dogs Association. Clover Moore, the Lord Mayor of Sydney opened
the exhibition. I was pleased to hear that she had bought my Goanna Post, and the other works also found new owners. I was also offered a commission.
L-R Cormorant Post, Kookaburra Post, Goanna Post 2014 maximum height 140cm
Raku Revived
After a long period of absence from raku activity in 2014 I was involved in
facilitating raku workshops at the Old Bega Hospital on behalf of the
Bega Valley Potters and Spiral Gallery, Bega, New South Wales. The
first session involved making wood-fired raku kilns made from steel
rubbish bins according to a Stefan Jacobs (Australia) design. The second
workshop included various techniques on making objects suitable for
raku firing including functional and sculptural items using Feeney's
White Raku clay. The last event saw the firing of 4 wood-fired raku
kilns and my gas raku kiln. I was impressed with the efficiency of the
wood kilns that reached temperature quickly using very little wood. Many
of the participants were 'hooked' on the process and my passion for the
art was revived!
Spot the Quoll 2014 raku H 10cm
Kangaroo Territory 2014 raku H 13cm
Royal Wombat 2014 raku H6cm
Gas-fired fibre raku kiln
Wood-fired fibre raku kiln
Nature Takes Over
After 30 years in the elements in the Australian bush (southern
escarpment of the Great Dividing Range) nature creates its own
decorative surfaces on my ceramic sculptures. A blissful visit to my
bush block and studio, conducive to creative thoughts. No electricity,
no phone or computer, just birdsong and the smell of wattle and Pittosporum (native orange blossom).
Diary entries Volplana
Shell shell H 90cm 1984
Lichen covered Rock Possum 1985
Threatened Species Day
With Threatened Species Day having just passed I could not help
reflecting on how my work has raised the awareness of endangered and
extinct species. I feel we have a responsibility to conserve and value
the diversity of particularly vulnerable species. We need to remember we
are all related to the first life on earth.
Calcium Connections 2008 H 20cm
Shy Albatross photograph 2007
No Shooting Trophy 2007 H 33cm
Homage to Leo
Having lived with a couple of Leos (and many cats) for a large part of my life, I have a great interest in big cats. Lion Rock 2 was inspired by the rocky coastline near my home as well as a sculpture of Auguste Rodin's The Wounded Lion 1881.
Sea Lion 2012 H 60cm
Family History
It is said that the ancestor of every human was a fish, but our
lineage goes back even further to the first cells of life that developed
in the primordial seas. In 2009 I produced a solo exhibition called
'Eons' at Spiral Gallery in Bega, New South Wales. The works were
inspired by the spectacular shoreline around Camel Rock, a distinctive
coastal rock formation near my home. I am awed by the presence of rocks
millions of years old reminiscent of animal forms and fossils and wonder
at the ancient evolutionary history of such a place.
Camel Rock Haywards Beach Bermagui 2008
Lion Rock 2008 H 32cm
Camel Rock 2008 H 45cm
Flying Fossil 2008 H 45cm
Cormorant Rock 2008 H 40cm
Collection of Ordos Municipal Government, Inner Mongolia, China
(Gift to Sister City from Bega Valley Council)
Between the Cracks
Interaction between animals and humans with the surrounding
environment was the theme for 'Between the Cracks' held at the Watson
Arts Centre in 2007 with fellow artists Vivien Lightfoot and Bill Insch.
I developed a narrative on the surfaces of my work using appliqued
images, sgraffitto and oxides.
Angelic Egret 2006 H 95cm
Linked 2007 H 120cm
Roo Rock Reptile 2007 H 90cm
Vast and Ancient Country
After several trips across the south eastern part of Australia
through four states (well over 10,000 kilometres) with landscape varying
from mallee desert with emus in South Australia to tropical forest with
brush turkeys in northern New South Wales I have returned with heaps of
photos. I was fascinated by the thought of mega fauna roaming the land
around Tambar Springs, New South Wales.
Artwork at Tambar Springs NSW Diprotodon country 2014
Ancient Landscape 2014
Landscape in the Figure
During 1999 I did a series of sculptures based on the female form
inspired by orchids and carnivorous plants. Later I incorporated fungi
forms such as in Fecund Fungi 2006. Many of my sculptures of
women express the relationship of the female role as protector and
nurturer of the natural environment. I believe the spiritual connection
with Nature is an essential part of our well-being.
Lilly Woman H 38cm 2000
Pleurotus nudiformis 2002 H 35cm
Cormorant Woman 2008 H 85 cm
Highs and Lows
These pieces were inspired by the climate, landscape and local wildlife in the estuary system.
Highs and Lows 2012 H 52 cm
Lake Labyrinth 2012 H 50cm
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Merri(man's)-Go-Round 2012 H 40cm
Little Cuttagee Lake Totem
This piece was commissioned by friends who had a property on the edge of Little Cuttagee Lake, NSW. The creatures depicted on the totem lived around their house including the large Diamond Python.
Joy Georgeson Little Cuttagee Lake Totem 2.25 metres
Montague ( Baranguba) Island Totem
Montague Island now called Barunguba Island is 9 kilometres off the far south coast of New South
Wales. This totem represents a cross-section of the wildlife that exist
there, which includes whales, seals, reptiles and many varieties of
birds. The form symbolises the shape of the lighthouse with a wave of
stairs winding up to the 'light' which is made up of spirits protecting
the environment.
Montague Island Totem 2008 2.2 metres
Wallaga Lake Totem
The Wallaga Lake Totem is a record of
animals and plants important to me as part of the ecosystem of the
estuary. The images are layered as they exist in nature in the food
chain, with the invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles and avifauna
linked by water. Gulaga, the dominant mountain in the landscape is
etched behind a pelican. At the top of the sculpture is a nest depicting
feathers, leaves and the mother Earth nurturer, showing that we need
to care for this special place.
Wallaga Lake Totem 2008 H 2m
Artisans in the Gardens
'Artisans in the Gardens' is an exhibition of art at the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens and Liongate Lodge from October 19th to 27th, 2013. Sculpture, ceramics, glass, textiles, jewellery and object design by more than 60 artists are included. My installation 'Dusk' is inspired by some of the inhabitants in the Gardens likely to appear after visitors have left.
Dusk 2013 H 180cm (maximum)
Dusk detail
Original Inhabitants
During holiday season the Masked Lapwing protests loudly at the
invasion of its' territory by visitors. This work refers to the
perception of Australian fauna as ornamental rather than being respected
as the original inhabitants of the land. This work was accepted into the Meroogal Women's Art Prize 2009 Touring Exhibition of galleries in New South Wales.
Plover Epergne 2009 H53cm
Earth Goddess
The Canberra Potters Society asked me to co-ordinate a community project in 2006. I designed a large totem representing the nurturer of Mother Earth decorated with groups of species of Austalian animals. I made large clay modules (formed around plastic bins) in order for the public to cut out stencils or their own design of animals to be decorated with coloured slips and appliqued onto the surface of the modules. After firing, the sculpture was installed in the grounds of the centre.
Earth Goddess project in progress.
Joy Georgeson and community of Australian Capital Territory
Earth Goddess 2006
More Experiments
After a workshop with Matthias Osterman in 2006 at the Canberra Potters Society I started to experiment with Maiolica glazes on sculptural work allowing a much broader colour palette than I had previously used. As well as making my own clay I pushed the medium to defy gravity with such works as Sailing Soul and Eve-olution.
Sailing Soul H 95cm 2006
Eve-olution detail
Experimental Paradise
After leaving art teaching in 2005 I was fortunate to be offered a studio at Strathnairn Arts Association, a not-for-profit arts facility funded by the Australian Capital Territory government on 25 acres of farmland on the outskirts of Canberra. Apart from having a wonderful light studio space, there were 18 kilns to contemplate and use! I shared the large studio with some inspiring ceramic artists both resident and visiting. I also shared it with a variety of birds and fauna such as the echidna that wandered inside and left footprints in my clay.
It was a chance to experiment in paradise. I explored many techniques and ideas, some of these were displayed in Symbiosis, an exhibition at Strathnairn Homestead Gallery with Strathnairn studioholder and ceramic sculptor Vivien Lightfoot in 2006.
Strathnairn Cairn 2006
In the Beginning 2006 Work in progress
The Creation of Behold Gaia
The idea to create a sculpture about the concept of Gaia, the living planet, developed because I wanted to tell a story about how I viewed my place and role on Earth. I feel strongly that we are 'carers' of this planet and that we have a duty to pass this place on to future generations in a healthy condition both physically and spiritually. In particular as a woman the role of nurturer, life-giver and protector is important to me.
'Behold Gaia' suggests the history of evolution of life on Earth featuring such creatures as the Lungfish and the first air-breathing creatures, the scorpions. Flowering plants are present showing the co-existence with bird life and mammals. Water connects all stages of evolution in the form of a spiraling wave. The sculpture is a female entity, the head like a helmet made up of animated forms of leaves, feathers or clouds protecting the fragility of human existence. These images intend to show that we are connected to Nature and depend on a symbiotic relationship for survival.