Swirl cups no handle
glazed ceramic
each cup varies slightly
Therese McMahon
ARTIST STATEMENT
My studio practice involves designing and making tableware, vases and limited edition, self-expressive works for exhibitions. I have warmed to the personal challenge of process, failures and successes in my practice making ceramics. Sometimes the forms are strong and independent after throwing, for example the “Seagrass” works. Others I alter the wheel thrown symmetrical shape with my hands, which I have done in the ‘Bush Flowers’ works. Each form individually represents my interpretation of coastal landscapes, oceans and Australian bush flowers. I use stoneware clays and develop all of my glaze colours to complete the final stage in the forms I make. I am drawn to build texture and depth onto the clay surface. I carve into the clay and at times impress the textures of found objects into the clay surface.
ARTIST BIO
After Yr12 I completed a 3-year Diploma in Applied arts majoring in Ceramics in 1981. I then pursued a path of seeking more knowledge and worked under Bronwyn Clarke in her studio at Terrey Hills, Sydney in 1982. My first studio was in Dee Why, Sydney in 1983.
I completed a Diploma in Education at the University of Newcastle in 1993, Post Graduate certificate in Aboriginal Studies in 1994 and a Certificate in Fine Arts at Newcastle TAFE in 1995. From 1985 to 1993 I attended numerous workshops with leading ceramicists and painters including Greg Daly, Jeff Mitchum, Peter Lane, Claire Locker, Ivan England, Judith White to name a few. My current studio is located in Wollongong, my hometown.
Reflecting on why I practice my art, there really was no other path for me. I am part of a creative family. My mother enrolled me in art classes as a 9 year old at Wollongong TAFE. Of my four sisters one is a published author and another a practicing Fibre artist and
painter.
In 2020 I was asked to be a part of 'The Living Room' where Amanda Keller and her crew came to my studio to film part of their show.
Finalist in the following recent shows:
2021 Siliceous Award for Ceramic Excellence, Ceramic Arts, Queensland
2021 Urunga Small Sculpture prize, Northern NSW
2022 Little Things art prize Saint Cloche Gallery , Paddington, Sydney
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