Sienna Grace Lewis
Cherrybrook Technology High School
THE UNSETTLERS
Ceramics
Clay, acrylic paint, chain, wood
I care deeply about Australia's ecosystems, and believe that we need to take action to protect them. In my body of work I have investigated the devastating impacts invasive species have on Australian native species. The Common Myna and the European rabbit both harm kookaburra and wombat populations by taking up vital resources like land and food. I made this work by using an array of hand-building ceramic techniques such as coiling, carving and impression, which I then painted and sealed. The non-clay aspects of my work are intended to add to its sense of realism and the audience's immersion.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Ricky Swallow, Diana Al Hadid, Beth Cavener
Marker's Commentary
The Unsettlers consists of five ceramic hand-built animal forms. Coiling, soft slab work and a range of carved and applied textures is evident within this body of work. A variety of successful surface treatments have been applied, including oxide washes, underglaze, stains and perhaps some acrylic surface treatments. Additional inclusions of found objects are noted within the work. Initially, this work appears somewhat innocent, perhaps linking to conventions of children's book illustration. The sophisticated layers begin to unpack as the relationships between the two groupings of animals begin to raise curiosity. It appears that each grouping has an introduced and native species personified, elevating power struggles. The Rabbit, dressed in a regal suit has control of the Wombat, by chain. The Indian Minor, also dressed in regal attire, and Kookaburra seem to be in heated negotiation. Perhaps this negotiation is territorial and connected to an issue connected to the eggs.
The precisely crafted animals present the audience with a point of view that challenges them to consider the environmental impact of these populous species. This sophisticated body of work is informed and skilfully curated, with many connections to contemporary ceramic practice evident. The influence of Australian sculptor Jenny Pollak’s ‘New World Order’ is evident, exploring tensions and contradictions in the relationship between humans, rabbits and the natural world. Conceptual connections to the practice of Australian Ceramicist Fleur Schell, and structural quality connections to Joyce Gittoes, ‘Animal Figures’ are reflected within this work.