Avi Amesbury works with clay dug from a variety of locations, found materials and volcanic rock ash to create fine handmade porcelain. In her studio on the Far South Coast of New South Wales she focuses on exploring the possibilities of clay – shaping and forming, glazing and firing. It is from the earth and
physically connects her to the environment. In her ceramics practice Amesbury forages for, and collects materials from the land and uses these materials as an expressive language to reveal stories and generate narratives in the work. Found materials and the translucency of porcelain allows Amesbury to explore ideas of land, place, connection and light.
“Climate and the impact changes are having on country and our daily lives is a conversation more Australians are having than ever before- we are questioning current land management practices and asking how we can look after our land, rivers and seas in a more sustainable, and respectful way”, says Amesbury.
Connection – Land and Sea is a solo exhibition aimed at exploring our personal connection to ‘place’ and to engage audiences in a conversation that impart a deeper understanding of and respect for our environment. The works are inspired by the region where Amesbury lives, from the Bogong High Plains to Barragga Bay on the New South Wales Far Coast.
Wall Pieces Text
1. Earth talks
Let me step lightly upon the land,
Bring home my being and let it be still.
Nestling, a keeper of all.
To listen I become, to feel I am.
2. Keeper of trees
You are there,
young, alive, tall.
Vibrant and alive.
My heart swells.
The night is dark,
the light is luminous.
The trees shining.
Roots spreading
entering the earth.
To see, to feel, to love.
I remember
All those that have been felled.
Pain of heart.
3. Memories held
The land exemplifies,
it holds our space,
our life,
our death.
Left invisible,
the journey imprinted on parched land.
Memories held in a world unseen.
What will be left in this timeless land?
