Canberra ceramic artist Josephine Townsend showcases her creations and love for her hometown in Room to Breathe at Humble House Gallery from Saturday 29 October.
Townsend has lived in Canberra since the 1960s, watching the region grow and change. She loves how, over time, it has become greener and leafier with buildings embedded into the natural landscape. Canberra is an easy, comfortable place to be; the connection to the land is good for the soul, according to the artist.
The exhibition’s name comes from the much-appreciated spaces of openness and peace you find when living in or visiting the region. Townsend says it is the fact that you turn the corner and are greeted by a lovely vista of a streetscape, the Brindabellas, or a parkland. These three themes are explored throughout the wall hangings, bowls, vases, and sculptural forms on display.
The artist has been working with clay for the past 20 years, drawn to the endless possibilities the medium provides. A hard taskmaster, the kiln firing ensures each piece is well made, and she enjoys the excitement of not knowing exactly how it will look until it has been pulled from the heat.
For this exhibition, as well as stoneware, Townsend has included the Japanese method of Nerikomi in a number of the works, a technique she has been working on since the pandemic. Coloured clay is stacked before slices are taken and then used to create a vessel, which results in striking, unique pieces.
Find Room to Breathe at Humble House Gallery, Fyshwick, 29 October-27 November; humblehouse.com.au
- 93 Wollongong Street Fyshwick ACT
- Open Wed-Sun 10am-4pm
- Phone: (02) 6228 1988
- Facebook: @humblehousegallery
- Instagram: @humblehousegallery
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