Catherine Drinan

Artist Statement

In 2014 I returned to Australia after four and a half years residing in New Zealand where I worked as a ceramic artist and co-managed a contemporary art gallery in Taranaki.

As a mid-career ceramic artist with a BA (Visual Arts) from ANU, Canberra School of Arts,1996 and a keen interest in firing and building wood kilns I applied to undertake a three-month residency at Strathnairn Arts.

I had previous association with Strathnairn Arts and its ceramic studios and had attended three wood firings from 1991. In 1996 as part of the International Connections Ceramic Conference, I was workshop assistant for Sven Bayer, UK Potter for his throwing Large Pots for wood firing.

Commencing in August 2014 I fulfilled my proposal by developing a series of table ware; cups, jugs, platters, bowls, plates, and lidded jars suitable for firing in Strathnairn Wood Salt kiln.

I also continued to develop my larger thrown and join woodfired pieces. Inspired by the then Rural environs, my Strathnairn residency was a nurturing and productive three months.

On completion of my residency I became a studio holder in Studio 3 pursuing my career as a wood firing Ceramic Artist for the next four years before returning to the NSW South Coast. With an inspiring program of visiting Artists and exhibitions and an ongoing dialogue with other studio holders Strathnairn has been an integral part in the development of my continuing Art’s practice.

https://www.instagram.com/catherinedrinanceramics/?hl=en

Images: Lidded jar and Pourer, Salt Fired, 2016. photo-Brenton McGeechie
Shino Bowl, Woodfired, 2016. photo -Brenton Mcgeechie
MYth and Desire, 2014. photo Catherine Drinan