Main Gallery

The five elements of nature

6 July to 27 July 2024
 
Five ceramic artists explore the symbolic meaning of the elements of nature from a contemporary perspective.  Reflected in their materials and artistic processes is a common thread of the human touch.  Emphasis is placed on the impact decisions, consequences and loss which influence daily life and how we interact with the elements.
 
Earth:  Izaan Joubert.  Her wall trinkets depict the volatile relationship between humanity and Mother Earth.  The fragility of life is represented in these intricate wall miniatures.
 
Water:  Daniel Brand.  His porcelain vessels and sculptural murals display the fluid nature of water, inspired by its various symbolisms in a historical, modern and abstract context.
 
Fire:  David Charles Keith.  Using terra sigillata by finishing off the clay forms in smoke, he plays on the juxtaposition of our inner flames of greed, envy and fury.  He produces finishes that vary from a black charred wood to a glaze as bright as dancing flames.
 
Air:  Jordana Lyden-Swift.  Telling the subtle stories of wind whispering through feathers and rustling foliage, her hand-built clay vessels celebrate the interconnectedness of all living things.
 
Aether:  Madeleine Henning.  Exploring this mysterious element beyond our human realm her delicate and gravity-defying vessels fall between creation and destruction.  Her porcelain and charcoal earthenware vessels are finished with pops of gold lustre, illustrating a glimmer of hope.