CLAY@MONTSALVAT

An awarded exhibition of ceramic art at the Barn Gallery
September 2002

The first thing that struck me when I entered the Barn Gallery at Montsalvat was the enormity of it. Gradual this huge space filled with people, members and ends of the Victorian Ceramic Group. Ceramics is well and truly thriving in Victoria and artists continue to develop their craft in many and varied directions.

It is quite a challenge to judge an exhibition such as this, where artists have engaged in so many styles representing a myriad of influences. Some of the artists work as professional ceramicists and exhibit nationally and internationally while others succeed on a more local level. Emerging and established artists are represented in this exhibition.
It was great to see Hedley Potts and Owen Rye taking part. Both artists have been members of the CV and exhibiting for many years. They are mentors who, by their example, continue to show the passion they feel for their craft.

Sigmund Jorgenson was the first to speak at the opening. He described Montsalvat as being `dragged into the 21st century'. I could empathize with Sigmund's sentiments, because when I was in my 20's Eltham was still predominantly rural and the Montsalvat artists had the freedom to express their ideals without too much interference. Many art students visited Montsalvat and related to the vision that Justus Jorgensen had created out of brick, stone and timber. Some retreated to country areas themselves to test out their own dreams.

Sigmund reminded us that Montsalvat still values artists and continues to encourage the general public to visit and enjoy their work. I agree with Merryn Auldis in saying what a perfectly fitting environment for the CV to hold their awards exhibition.

Judging the awards was Deborah Halpern, who explained how she grew up with parents who were both potters. She in turn sets an important example for other ceramic artists, by demonstrating to them the possibility of large scale work based on ideas and involving other media.
Deborah said she was `thrilled to be invited' to judge the CV Awards and after seeing the work was reminded `how extraordinary clay is'. In her address she referred to own experience of digging for clay with her mother Kangaroo Ground, after which the clay was then `brow to life'. She expressed her love of the extraordinary ate, Lasting qualities of the medium and congratulated exhibiting artists for their technical skill, thought and consideration evident in their work.

The CV Award for excellence was won by Carob , Roberts for her sculptural piece Perilous Voyage. Deborah responded to the work `with her heart' and empathized with the artist's reference to the journey of life.