EXHIBITIONS MIKE BUICK & PAM SMITH: Thrown & Kept
01.02.25 to 22.02.25
MIKE BUICK
While my work was formerly concentrated on the photography genre, I have been practising mixed media/assemblage for about the last eight years, working mainly in wood, collage and found objects. I aim for a retro, or vintage aesthetic in my works and take pleasure in reusing and upcycling reclaimed materials. As a self-taught artist, I have had extensive experience working in photography, boat building and as an art technician.
Arts organisations I have worked for as an art technician include Australian Centre for Photography, Carriage Works, Performance Space, Ambience Entertainment and various artists, including Ken Unsworth, James Powditch and Katthy Cavalierie.
I hope you enjoy my graphic, three-dimensional compositions.
PAM SMITH
My ceramic work focuses on decorative domestic ware. I make wheel-thrown forms because I love the freedom and imposing strictures operating in tandem, when throwing. I embellish my work with decorative elements, incising or adding moulded pieces.
I use a range of clays to blend into new colours, principally working in porcelain. The translucent qualities enhance forms and allow for detail. I also like to stain porcelain in bright colours to highlight features in the detailed mouldings, suggesting a new spin on Victorian-era Jasperware. The inspiration was the detailed mould work of Victorian Italianate domestic decorations, much mused over during Covid lockdowns.
For this exhibition, I found abundant clay left over from the trimmings from Advanced Diploma days six years ago, so I added water, and moulded bowls that highlighted the original and maintained the integrity of the original clays.
