'This is where I live' is an exhibition of recent ceramics by Ararat artist, John Eagle. John's
association with Ararat began following his artist's residency at
Marian College. This residency evolved in a teaching role and a move to
Ararat with his wife Rosemary, who is also an artist specialising in
printmaking. This exhibition features
richly glazed ceramics informed by the landscape around Ararat,
including Mount Langi Ghiran, Mount Cole and the Grampians National
Park.
The plates featured in this
exhibition are from a major body of work commissioned from an American
collector. John explains the origins of the project: "John
Jay is a Ford executive who spent several years living and working in
Australia before returning to America 23 years ago. Before he left he
commissioned a copper red stoneware dinner set from me. John
insisted that it was entirely up to me to create and he wanted me to
use it as an opportunity to produce something special and develop my
work...This was the unique opportunity that artists dream about: a
patron."
Initially John considered
developing a body of work inspired by the iconic images of Australia,
from desert to tropical rainforests and the ocean, but with his
relocation to Ararat a new source of inspiration emerged. "Driving
back and forth at all times of day and night in all seasons made me
realise that right here was my reference; my inspiration," John said.
John Eagle is widely recognised for his contribution to ceramics in Victoria. A
graduate of RMIT, he enjoyed early success when selected for inclusion
in the seminal Victorian craft exhibition, Craft Victoria '75 at the
National Gallery of Victoria. Following an initial teaching career, John dedicated himself to a life as a full time potter. His
commitment to his craft during these formative years was vindicated
when he received the National Bicentennial Art-Craft Award for
Functional Pottery in 1988. John is regionally associated with Linton Pottery, which operated at Linton, near Ballarat, from 1997 to 2007. He
is also known in wider ceramics circles through his writing, mentoring
and the inclusion of his work in exhibitions at galleries in Australia
and overseas. His prize-winning ceramics often feature a striking copper red glaze, which remains a signature aspect of his work to this day. The exhibition continues until 12 March 2014.
