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Surface or substance - I have grown up in a world where the nature of food has dramatically changed. Today I eat tomatoes that look like a tomato but the taste is not like a tomato. I am intrigued by this illusion that is a part of our daily lives.
I make artwork that will engage the viewer, using illusion to challenge perceptions. My pieces allude to the history of functional ware, yet they are dysfunctional. Up close, the work is not as it seems.
The surface is chaotic - images dance together, play off one another, melt and mix into one another. There is no rest for the eye; purposely too much information is given. Reflecting the sense of confusion that appears when we are given too many choices in our consumerist society. I am increasingly fascinated that humans are more interested in surface than substance. Like a fish to a lure we are drawn to glitter, glitz and gold.
Q: What do you make?
A part from coffee. I dabble in ceramics making highly crafted pots that are decorated to the point of stupidity.
Q: What are your influences?
I like the imagery of surrealism the painting of Caravaggio , the ornateness of classical architecture the extreme decorativeness of the Baroque. Also TV.
Q: What is your working environment like?
I work with 5 others in a shared space we all hate each other and fight like cats and dogs , and sabotage each others work , my favourite trick is to sneak into the studio at night and over fire some ones work or wedge plaster into their clay, oh and change the names on their glaze buckets. Apart from that we all manage to produce great work.
Vase With The View 2002
Q: Which part of the making process do you enjoy most?
Having a beer and cigarette while trying to look artistic and thoughtful when I am really thinking how much beer I have left and do I need to make another trip to the bottle shop. I also enjoy all areas of the ceramic process except I have trouble with understanding the periodic table it has no legs.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you have encountered in your work?
Trying to be serious.
Q: Can you survive on your craft, or do you rely on other income?
I teach in small high school in the afternoons its the best teaching job I have had. I work with an amazing supportive group of individuals, there’s no bullshit what so ever. And I eat craft for breakfast, I put my bowl in the cereal.
Q: Is there a particular book that has been significant to your work?
The Naked Lunch by William Burroughs – not so much its content but the way it is written and the imagery he provokes using letters.
Q: Have there been major turning points in your career as an artist?
After my first solo show – it proved to my parents that yes I will live with out much money but have a smile on my face that money can't buy.
Jolly Swagman 2002
Q: What have you learned as a businessperson over the years?
Not to go into business
Q: Do you see any challenges specific to potters/ceramics artists?
As above.
Q: How has the Internet affected your business?
Its made me more confused. You don’t have to talk to people any more you can just send them lots of letters from the alphabet.
Q: Where do you sell/exhibit your work?
I sell some at Tarrawarra Museum of art in the Yarra Valley and Skepsi in Melbourne I also have some work at the Clay Studio in Philadelphia.
Q: What would you like to be doing in 10 years time?
Build my 800ft Origami wood fired kiln, folding work to fill it. .
Birdbath (commission piece)
David Ray
drcray99@hotmail.com
or phone (03) 9531 2500 to place orders.
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