Popular local ceramicist featured in SAM Showcase #25

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is delighted to announce Tallarook artist Sandra Bowkett as the 25th artist to exhibit their work as part of the SAM Showcase series.

Showcase #25: Sandra Bowkett, Clay // Fire is a collection of ceramic vessels that explore and make visible the energy of wood-firing on earth materials.

The ceramic pieces featured in the exhibition were fired at Bowkett’s home studio in Tallarook, in a wood-fired kiln she built herself in 2013. ‘I was inspired to build the kiln after comments made by some traditional Rajashani potters I occasionally work with. They were astounded by the quantity and quality of the timber/fuel lying about our property, and encouraged me to make use of it in my ceramic practice,’ explains Bowkett.

The impact of heat, ash and vessel position in the wood fired kiln result in distinctive markings and patterns that form on the works. The artist finishes the pieces with glazes that enable the natural variety of designs caused by the firing process to be the highlight.

Sandra Bowkett’s retail pieces have long been popular in the SAM Shop, and this exhibition allows her to experiment further with presentation in a gallery setting. The installation will include elements from the firing process, including bricks and kiln inserts, and gives the viewer an insight into the creation of the vessels.

Collectors of Bowkett’s work will be excited to learn they are able to purchase these unique pieces during the exhibition.

Showcase #25: Sandra Bowkett Clay // Fire

Date: 7 February 2020 – 6 May 2020

Location: SAM showcase display – at the entrance to SAM

Cost: FREE, works available for purchase

Image – Sandra Bowkett in her home studio. Photo: Lara Merrington