STEWART SCAMBLER

I am interested in the land and hopefully my work expresses that interest. I use an Australian version of an anagama kiln. I choose to fire this way as a single firing gives me a variety of surface throughout the kiln. If I was to suggest an important aspect of how I work, it’s that sourcing the basic raw materials from my local environment is critical to the results I want. The combination of the wood that Trish and I grow and the local clay gives the opportunity to produce work that is unique to my locality. There are many challenges imposed by using only local materials but for me it feels more elegant to use the stuff of the land to explore the nature of the land.

Born Scotland, emigrated to Australia, 1955. Initial training, Fremantle Technical College 1978, Graduated, Edith Cowan University 1994. Exhibitions since 1980 includes: solo and invitational group exhibitions throughout Australia and internationally. Collections include: private, state and institutional collections in Australia and overseas. Has been wood firing since 1983, initially in an Olson fast fire kiln and in 1986 switched to several versions of anagama type kiln. Conducts workshops, presents lecturers and teaches ceramics including the use of local materials and surface treatment. Career highlights: mid career fellowship by ArtsWA enabling uninterrupted period of exploration; received the Kusnic award, Ceramic Arts Association WA (3 times); the York art prize, ceramics; awarded Travel Grants WA. Articles and publications include: The Art of Wood fire, Owen Rye; ceramic journals and magazines.