Kohl Tyler-Dunshea
Her goal for the residency was to build a series of large scale sculptures as “an investigation of the grief one may feel in relation to a mass loss of biodiversity. The loss being so large that it almost becomes abstract to the mind and the lifeforms, each of which are unique and integral to the biosphere in ways that are known, but not yet fully understood.”
Reflecting on her residency
I’m so grateful to have had this experience. My three-month residency allowed me the time and space to dive deeper into my art practice. I upscaled my forms, refined my hand-building skills, developed glazes and slips, made use of the library, and even tried the wheel. I can’t thank the team at Northcote Pottery Supplies enough, they supported me not only with their encouragement but also with technical advice about firing, materials, and much more. I also met many other ceramicists during my residency, which was a highlight. I’ll miss having so many people to discuss all things clay with but this is not goodbye, I’ll be back soon to frequent the shop and fire more sculptures for an exhibition held later in the year.”
Phoebe Deutsch
Hailing from California, Phoebe has always been attracted to the interconnectedness of the natural world. “For me, using clay represents a direct connection and collaboration with our home, Earth. I believe the act of adaptation is the great connector between humanity and the environment.”
During her residency she expanded on a series of pieces called “Ocean Vessels” which explore the relationship between our ocean environments and the impact of manufacturing.
“Blue Coral is an installation meant to highlight the natural beauty of corals and bring awareness to conservation efforts to preserve Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and reef environments globally. Corals are the foundation for so many layers of life including fish, octopus, turtles, clams, urchins and anemones just to name a few. While in residence at Northcote Pottery, I’ve had the privilege to travel to Queensland and visit multiple sites along the Great Barrier Reef to witness both the damage and the life that exists there today. While there is evidence of coral bleaching, there is without a doubt still so much beautiful life to appreciate and strive to preserve.
I am forever grateful to have witnessed the vast array of co-existing species in my lifetime. It is my great hope that we as humans can find a path towards a more peaceful co-existence with each other and our planet, our home, Earth.”
“My time as resident artist at Northcote Pottery Supplies has been an amazing success. I want to thank everyone for allowing us to form true connections, sharing space and community here in Australia has truly been an expansive journey. The artist residency program at Northcote Pottery Supplies has given me the time and space to create new work, challenge myself, experiment, and play. Being an artist is often a vulnerable path. You make something so personal and then present it to the world with an open heart. It is with sincere gratitude I thank you all.”
