PAUL DAVIS

The charm and challenge of rice straw ash glazes remain a core element in the development of new approaches to glaze application, firing and self expression via this aesthetic.  The formulas and processes date back to Momoyama period Japan: some 500 years ago. After 40 years of glaze research, I have found one glaze that offers an entire world of opportunity to express my art and practice.  The formula is simple, the process and material complex.

Born Melbourne Victoria. Initial training, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, 1973-1974. MA by Research (Ceramics), 1995. Career highlights include: Elected Member International Academy of Ceramics; Japan Foundation Scholarship for study with Saka Korazaemon, Hagi, Japan; Senior Lecturer, Ceramics, Monash University; Director, Sturt Pottery, Sturt Craft Centre, Mittagong, NSW; Artist in Residence Programme, El Camino College, Los Angeles; University Southern Florida; UCLA & UNLV; Australian representative at World International Ceramics Conference, Foshan, China; Guest Presenter, First European Woodfire Conference, Brollin, Germany. Collections include: Major Public Collections in National and State Regional Galleries, corporate and private collections. Formulations include: Paul Davis Kajero Clay - Japanese inspired, distinctive orange flashes and rich course texture. Recent citations: Piepenberg, Robert, The Spirit of Ceramic Design, Pebble Press, 2008; Cochrane, Grace, Smartworks, Powerhouse Museum, 2008; Messer, Barbara, Playing in their own backyard, Journal of Australian Ceramics, 2008.