Monday, May 24, 2010

Flames of Creation: The Pottery of John Eagle













Top: L-R John Eagle, Janette Todd, Rosemary Eagle

'Flames of Creation' was officially opened at the gallery on Saturday 22nd May at 2pm. It is an exhibition highlighting the 40 year career achievement of ceramicist John Eagle. Now based in Ararat, John Eagle is widely recognised for his contribution to ceramics in Victoria, including through his pursuit of excellence in functional pottery. The exhibition was opened by special guest Janette Todd, an exceptional artist in her own right, who has known John for a number of years. The opening was attended by over eighty people including Cr Andrea Marian, local pottery enthusiasts as well as a number of visitors to the area.

A graduate of RMIT, John enjoyed early success when selected for inclusion in the seminal Victorian craft exhibition, Craft Victoria '75 at the National Gallery of Victoria. In the 1970s, John dedicated himself to a life as a potter. In 1988 John was awarded the National Bicentennial Art-Craft award for Functional Pottery.

'Flames of Creation' presents a range of objects that track John's growth as a potter over a forty year period, revealing pivotal breakthroughs in his throwing and glazing techniques. Many of these featured objects are treasured possessions of the artist; other signature pieces have been sourced from a range of private collections. Also included is a new ceramic installation 'Garden of Creation' ,"based on the memory of annuals that used to flower every Spring at Linton', which was created especially for this exhibition. 'Flames of Creation' continues until June 27 2010.