Notes from the May Meeting

Graeme Wilkie treated us to a wide ranging talk - you had to be there, technical difficulties and all - it was a fascinating meeting. Graeme spoke not only about his own sculpture but also about Lorne Sculpture - an event - festival - celebration of sculpture on the Littoral Edge as the 2007 show was called. This year’s event runs from October 17 to November 8, 2009. More information is available from the Lorne Sculpture web site: www.lornesculpture.com.

We were treated to a glimpse of the great Anagama kiln - sustainably powered by plantation grown wood and also to Graeme’s philosophy reflected in his sculptural work and in the design and construction of Qdos itself. The freedom to work as he wishes has been won by years of disciplined work - he likened it to climbing a mountain before you can run down the other side with the wind blowing in your hair.

A tribute to the inspiration of the evening was the animated chatter that followed - thank you to Graeme for the talk and also for the images of his work and permission to use them in the newsletter.

Oops - too late for the main newsletter but Suzanne's article throws more informed light on the meeting so here it is:

Graeme introduced us to his journey from being a repetitive functional potter to his present achievements. He is well known for his monumental Ceramic Sculptures nationally and he also enjoys International fame. Graeme, as with myself and others from the 7o's was influenced by an Architect turned Ceramic artist Joan Campbell. When the Japanese fine porcelain was the most treasured art form Campbell introduced us to the "English Raku Style" when the high fired biscuit ware was pitfired for days often and let the natural minerals be responsible for the colouration. Graeme's dragon kiln is fired for a week and constantly fed through the fire boxes. " He fires his kiln mostly by donated firewood from the local area .

He has invited our member to come up and observe the firing and he will take us through the cycle of his production. At this stage we are looking at the 19th of September - stand by for further news.

Suzanne