CDU students turn up the heat for ceramics exhibition

More than 40 visual arts students from Charles Darwin University (CDU) in Alice Springs are set to impress as they launch a student exhibition ‘Heatwork’ at Watch this Space.

The exhibition, opening Friday, November 12, is a tribute to the many different forms of ceramic making and includes works that have been handbuilt, wheel thrown, slipcast and more.

CDU Visual Arts lecturer Mel Robson said the show is a homage to the passages of experimentation, the exuberance of learning and the many textures of clay and its processes.

“There are so many different ways to approach working with clay. I wanted to introduce the students to the various processes and allow them to be able to experiment and find their own voices within these processes,” Ms Robson said.

“The aim is to encourage the students to experiment and be creative and not fixed into one approach.  It gives them the chance to push their boundaries and reach beyond what they already know.”

Three of the students work that will be on display have been selected to be included in a major Artback NT curated exhibition ‘Clay on Country,’ a survey of Central Desert ceramics which will be a part of the Australian Ceramics Triennale in Alice Springs in July 2022. 

“It’s an exciting time in the Ceramics world, especially in Alice Springs as next year we will be hosting the Australian Ceramics Triennale, Australia’s national ceramics conference, and the work of our students will be part of this,” Ms Robson said.

Mikaila Rogers is one of the students whose work has been chosen to be part of the Triennale next year. Ms Rogers is in her second year of part-time study for her Certificate IV in Visual Arts and is now considering a career as a ceramicist.

“I started this course two years ago as my creative outlet - clay work can be quite therapeutic,” Ms Rogers said.

“Since having my works chosen to be displayed it has got me thinking that maybe I can establish myself as an artist in this space, which is something I had not even considered before.”

Ms Rogers’ pieces reflect texture in glazes and working with different surfacing techniques using a wide palette of colour, having developed her own glazes and finishes.

Ms Rogers said that all the works of each student are very unique, focusing on their own creative talents and expertise.

“If you look at the exhibition you can’t categorise it under one theme, as all the pieces reflect how creative and unique this space is. We have learned so much from Mel Robson as well as each other. It’s a lovely supportive and creative environment to be a part of,” Ms Rogers said.

‘Heatwork’ will run from November 12 to 25 at the Watch This Space gallery at 8 Gap Road in Alice Springs.