TAMBORINE Mountain artist Larissa Warren is showcasing displaying ceramic works made from native clays at her Shifting Ground exhibition.
Shifting Ground builds on Larissa’s popular 2020 project Wild Women, Wild Clay which told the stories of Tamborine Mountain’s female potters from 1940s to 1980s.
The success of Wild Women, Wild Clay inspired Larissa to share Tamborine Mountain clays with female artists she admired, which brought Shifting Ground to life.
The exhibition will showcase contemporary ceramic works crafted by 12 Australian artists, including Beaudesert’s multi-disciplinary First Nations artist Sarah Zalewski, alongside historical pieces from Tamborine Mountain’s early female potters.
Larissa encourages historians, art and craft lovers, locals and students to view the exhibition which opens at The Centre Beaudesert in August.
As a former art teacher, she said students will find inspiration in observing the artists’ creative processes, seeing how a single idea can evolve into something tangible and deeply connected to the community.
“This exhibition truly highlights the intricate thought processes behind the creation of these ceramics and the realisation of the artists’ visions is nothing short of inspiring,” Larissa said.
“It was rewarding to witness each artist’s development and the distinct approach they brought to the mountain clays.
“Locals will recognise the iconic red earth.”
Scenic Rim’s Community Arts and Culture Portfolio Councillor Kerri Cryer said the exhibition provided an exciting opportunity to celebrate the region’s pioneering female potters and the way in which contemporary artists are creating their own visual stories using the same Tamborine Mountain clays.
“The Shifting Ground exhibition has an educational element to it that generates interest linked to the legacy of Tamborine Mountain’s female potters,” Cr Cryer said.
“Artists play an important role in our communities and culture, so a national tour that promotes the artwork of women and also has as its centrepiece Tamborine Mountain clays is the first of its kind for the Scenic Rim.
“Credit to Larissa as her work proudly puts female artists, including women from diverse cultural and First Nations backgrounds, centre stage where they belong.”
Scenic Rim Regional Council is partnering with Museums & Galleries Queensland to develop the tour of the Shifting Ground exhibition.
For more information on Shifting Ground and its national tour schedule, visit magsq.com.au/touring-exhibitions/.
