The Development of Ceramics in Australia

Avi Amesbury November 2002

• Introduction
• A Brief History
  • Arts and Crafts Societies
  • Formal development of ceramics in the education system
  • Influences of Australian motifs and the ...
  • Aboriginal influence
  • Industry
  • Chinese influence
• Background to the fifties
  • Bernard Leach
  • Californian Funk
  • Direct links with Japan
• Diversity
• Critical Discourse
  • Art/craft debate
  • Sculpture
  • The place of the handcrafted object
• Bibliography
• Footnotes

Introduction

My initial aim for my research paper was to make a comparative study between contemporary (east) Asian and Australian Ceramics. The study was to include three areas of comparison. The first was to look at inconography and techniques in traditional Asian ceramics to see how this has been translated into a contemporary context. At the same time exploring the beginnings of the ceramic culture in Australia. The second was to look at the sources of inspiration used in both contemporary Asian and Australian ceramics, that is the use of myths, landscapes and other forms of inspiration and compare the similarities and differences. The third was to look at form, both sculptural and functional and its use in contemporary ceramics.

On commencing my research I realized how diverse and intriquing the development of ceramics in Australian was and have spent much of the past months reading and researching it's history. I have, from my own interest broken the research into broad categories.

Pre-1950's
The first part of the research will talk about the development of ceramics pre- 1950's. This includes the growth and influence of the Arts and Crafts Societies, of education and institutions, and the influence of artists. I will look at what has been a direct influence on the artists work, influences such as flora and fauna, Aboriginal art and Chinese pottery. (Other areas will also include Industry and the Craft Movement.).

Post-1950's
During the second part of the paper I will research the following fifty years of development in Australian Ceramics. This will include influences such as Bernard Leach, the use of landscape and Skangaroovian funk. I will endeavour to pick up continuing trends from the pre-1950's that have remained and/or resurfaced. This will include areas such as industry, the use of flora, fauna and motifs and the role of educational institutions.

Critical Discourse
The third part of the paper will look at questions critical to ceramics today. They will include areas such as the international community, the future of clay, the role of educational institutions and the need for critical discourse.