Craft Conversations
Ella, you are a ceramic artist who explores ancient clay and stone artefacts and their ability to transcend the times and cultures in which they were created. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you became interested in exploring this theme?
Even as a child, I was interested in objects, noticing similarities and differences in the pieces that were in the houses of family and friends I visited. This interest grew stronger when I was introduced to
museum or gallery exhibitions where I could view objects of daily or ritual use from other cultures or time periods. I loved seeing the showpieces for their visual impact but found equal pleasure in simpler, everyday pieces that I could imagine myself using even though they originated hundreds of years and kilometres away from me. Even though there's a seemingly endless amount of small artifacts out there and despite the mass quantities, these pieces still feel personal and reflect the techniques and style of their maker and their beliefs about the world.
We are excited about your upcoming makers in residence appearance as part of Craft Contemporary. During your residency you plan to create a multi-part sculptural form, a modern talisman using hand-building techniques, can you tell us more in detail about this ceramic piece you have intended to create for us?
I've been thinking about our collective anxieties surrounding the pandemic and a memory of a childhood gift of worry dolls from my eldest brother has inspired the direction of the talisman I'm creating for this residency. I will develop a 3D 'doll' form that can be replicated in three sizes and stacked, each piece standing on the head of the larger 'doll' beneath. They will be made in coiled clay segments, which will be joined together to create composite forms.
What are some unusual places you draw inspiration from?
Although nature is undeniably a common source of inspiration, I find the weathering process really interesting. I am always on the lookout when I'm out in nature to see the effects of water or plant activity on rocks, especially large ones.
Who is an underrepresented artist we should be looking at right now?
Cornelia Tipuamantumirri is a Tiwi matriarch and artist. The first time I encountered Cornelia's work (screen printed onto fabric as part of a collaboration with North for their Tiwi Strong Women's clothing collection) I was immediately struck by how rhythmic and alive her dotted lines were. I feel lucky to have been able to view her work in person, too as part of the NGV's TIWI exhibition in January, where her large scale works were particularly mesmerising.
In response to COVID-19, a lot of people have re-evaluated the way they work, what impact has the pandemic had on your practice? Were they positive or negative? Have you adopted any new skills or techniques that you otherwise may not have?
Even though there have been extended periods during the pandemic that I have been unable to gain access to my studio and unable to make, I have taken advantage of the time to stop and reflect on my practise. I realised that though I had previously been continually making, I didn't always feel creatively fulfilled. I hadn't been carving out enough time for personal projects that required research phases, putting them on the back burner in favour of more straightforward things. I now try to see periods of reduced movement not as forced time away from my workspace, but as time to dedicate to plan and research future projects in depth.
What craft contemporary events are you most looking forward to seeing this October?
After seeing the full line up of Makers in Residence, I'll definitely be tuning in to Craft Victoria's Instagram Stories throughout October to peek behind the scenes of the other makers' practises. I believe you can learn a great deal from listening to others, even when you don't share a medium and as I work in isolation, I always jump at the chance to see how others approach their projects and work in their spaces.
Thank you for your time Ella, and we look forward to seeing you in this year's Makers in Residence!
Interviewed by Eloise Sim, Curatorial and Programs Assistant