PETRUS SPRONK

Since I am interested in a primitive way of making, (meaning close to the source) I gather my wood from the forest, the place where I live and fire my earth kiln. 

Wood also allows me to be totally involved in the firing process. One has to be here, present. I work with wood as the result of my beginnings. I had no funds. I made do with that which was close at hand. I made a kiln from earth and sourced wood from the forest. This provided my work with a distinct quality, which has lasted till today. 

I have been making bowls for about 35 years, each bowl is still a challenge (otherwise why bother). Each bowl is also a step along the ceramic path which has created itself into an amazing journey. A journey rich in discoveries (and isn’t that the point).

Born in Haarlem Holland. Initial training, Adelaide School of Art 1966-1968; Post graduate studies 1969, teacher, Milton Moon. Career highlights: 1973 moved to Perth to lecture at Perth Technical College; 1975 left Australia to hitchhike around the world in search of an additional ceramic training, exhibited in San Francisco, Dublin, Copenhagen and Crete; 1983 returned to Australia and set up studio in the Flinders Ranges; 1985 exhibited at Bonython Gallery, Adelaide; 1986 first public artwork The Benalla Mural moved to Daylesford Victoria, set up the Black Earth Studios; 1990 Awarded a commission to design the architectural fragment for Swanston Street, Melbourne, outside the State Library; 1999 Artist residency Korea; 2013 Winner of the Manningham Victorian Ceramic Art Award. Exhibitions include: numerous exhibitions in Australia and internationally since 1990; 2011 exhibition at the NVG Ian Potter Gallery, Federation Square, Melbourne. Publications: Meditations on a Korean Odyssey, 2015. Represented in public and private collections throughout Australia and overseas.