WELCOME TO LISMORE REGIONAL GALLERY

ConVerge

Gallery 3, 25 January - 1 March 2008

Garth Lena, Echidna, porcelain and mango wood 38 x 47 x 50 cm

ARTISTS Aine, Bob Connery, Geoff Crispin, Virginia Jones, Margaurite Josephson-Buivids, Catherine Lane, Garth Lena, Suvira McDonald, Judy Martin, John Mawhinney, Malina Monks, Merrill Orr, Tamasin Pepper, Jasmine Scheidler, Bevan Skinner, Avital Sheffer, Andrew Stewart, John Stewart,
Liz Stops, Ishta Wilson.

ConVerge is a touring exhibition showcasing the work of the finest ceramic artists, both emerging and established, from the Northern Rivers Region of NSW. It was curated by Geoff Crispin and Bob Connery, two of the most respected ceramic artists in the region, and brings together a collection of ceramic work that draws on an incredibly diverse range of cultural references, influences and styles. This is exemplified by the work of the 20 selected artists such as Indigenous artist Garth Lena, who combines abstract organic forms in porcelain with timber and Avital Sheffer, whose stunning vessels are infused with the language, symbols and architecture of her own Middle Eastern heritage. Ancient ceramic traditions are reflected also in the masterful lustre glazes of Bob Connery, and in the wood fired porcelain work of Geoff Crispin.

The Northern Rivers is home to one of the most established regional clusters of ceramic artists in the country. This tradition has been fostered through arts institutions including Southern Cross University and Lismore and Coffs Harbour TAFEs, who have strong reputations for ceramics. Many graduates have subsequently established their practices in the region. A respected group of lecturers including Patsy Hely, Tony Nankervis, Denis and Malina Monks, Kerry Selwood, Fiona Fell and John Stewart have all fostered a regional ceramic reputation which has segued into the broader visual arts.

ConVerge was developed by Arts Northern Rivers and toured by Museum and Gallery Services Queensland. It is funded by Visions of Australia, Gordon Darling Foundation and Arts NSW.

Click here for more information about the exhibition