Ceramic artist Sami Porter recently opened her first solo exhibition at Gallery 1855.
Entitled in Flux, Sami’s exhibition is about the sheer wonder and delight of microscopic forms, that have evolved into art works.
Sami has combined ceramics and natural-found objects into contemporary sculptural works, expressing a dialogue of interconnection, appreciation and imagination between our existence and that found in the hidden and microbiological aspects of nature.
She says ‘My rapture has become the alchemy of the crystalline glaze; It is a glaze that grows visible crystal structures under precise kiln conditions. I embrace it in my work to emphasise notions of organic process and growth; creating a tiny world of wonder all of its own.’
Your new exhibition, inFLUX, is described as a micro-voyeuristic journey of nature in process. Tell us more!
I am captivated with the micro-world, as it offers us the comprehension that life transpires all around us; often existing unnoticed. I incorporate natural found-objects into my contemporary sculpture works, to express a dialogue of interconnectedness, recognition and imagination between our existence and that found in the hidden and microbiological aspects of nature.
Why did you create these works?
After my Honours degree, I wanted to continue the research and work I had begun with microscopic and unnoticed entities. My inspiration and concepts were infinite!
What do you hope people see?
I hope the response to my work will be a personal journey of curiosity, and would attract anyone with an interest in contemporary ceramic sculpture, art, science, nature and the surreal.
I believe my practice offers an innovative context of organic hybridization and biological fantasy, delivered through sculptural works made from the Earth.
There is a variety of artwork in your show. Can you share a bit about how you made them?
As I am inspired by nature, my works often start with drawings and design. Most of the works in this exhibition are porcelain and are wheel-thrown, hand and slab built, and slip-cast.
My key passion and technique with ceramics has become the use of the crystalline glaze. This glaze grows visible crystal structures and I have been employing it to express notions of organic process and growth.
Where does the need to make art come from for you?
Biophilia (the love of living things) has been the core motivation for my art practice. Making art is my homage to Earth, and fills my need to make interesting and beautiful objects.
What’s the next thing you’re working on?
After a short break, I will return to making porcelain with crystalline sculptures, looking at larger forms with a microscopic, botanical and fantastical influence.
I am always researching and concocting my new crystalline glaze recipes!
in FLUX is on display at Gallery 1855 from Wednesday 27 September until Saturday 28 October 2017.http://www.cttg.sa.gov.au/gallery1855
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