Four of the Armidale area’s prominent professional artists have again come together for their fifth annual pre-Christmas exhibition.
The “Clay+Wood Art’ show and sale is open now, next to the Courthouse in Armidale’s Central Mall. Artists often work in relative isolation. So, this mixed group of artists see the venture as a way to bring themselves into contact with the Armidale public.
Uralla’s Christine Ball’s ceramics feature striking glazes. She runs her own workshop and retail outlet: “The Barking Dog Gallery” in Uralla.
Christine was born and educated in Sydney, making the tree-change to Uralla in 1981. She has been exhibiting her work since 1975.
Armidale’s Kumi and Kiyo Hashimoto have their incredibly distinctive ceramic and framed artworks on show. They were born, educated and began their artistic professions in Tokyo, Japan. In 1991, they migrated to Armidale and established a ceramic studio.
The contemporary Japanese ceramic art husband and wife team take pride in showcasing their works locally.
“I hope my ceramics will attract people’s attention who are looking for special Christmas ideas,” Kiyo Hashimoto said.
“All of my works are made with joy. Each of my pots are a one of a kind. I hope they bring pleasure to many people,” Kumi Hashimoto said.
Hillgrove’s Lindsay Dunn is known for sculptural carving, wood turning and craftsmanship. “There are very few full-time, professional wood turners these days,” he said.
“I supply galleries around Australia but this is a real opportunity that I enjoy.
“Most of my life is spent in my shed with my lathes. The galleries sell my work, so I don’t ordinarily have much face-to-face contact with people.”
The highly experienced artists are distinct in their styles, yet have considerable respect for each other and see the collaboration as an opportunity to be inspired and maybe even learn from one another.
“It is a really good chance to get together and show our recent works to the people of Armidale,” Mr Dunn said. “We are all using different techniques, mediums and artistic approaches.”
“This is an exhibition of professional, top quality art and craft that is all handmade, local works made right here in the New England, from local woods and clay. People like to know the face behind the product.”
“Obviously, the goods are for sale, but it is also a chance for the public to come through and see what we’re doing. There’s new works every year. For me, it’s a time to be more creative. The galleries can stereotype and expect a certain style,” Mr. Dunn said.
“Here, the works range from the atypical and functional to abstract sculptural pieces.”
The temporary art retail outlet will be open 10am-5pm, Monday to Friday, until Christmas Eve.
Meanwhile, another long-established pair of professional ceramic artists have also set up shop in the heart of Armidale’s CBD for the month leading up to Christmas.
Rick Hatch and Suzanne Forsyth Hatch, from Armidale’s Weemala Pottery studio have occupied a retail space just a few doors down from their counterparts, ensuring that New Englanders are spoilt for choice if they are seeking unique, locally produced Christmas gifts.
A temporary premium art and craft precinct has emerged. On the opposite side of the Mall, the permanent New England Art Society’s Gallery will continue to exhibit a wide range of art throughout the festive season.
Story: Gary Fry
