Simon Reece | Bloom 1
Bloom 1
21 Ceramic Plates with custom glaze
20 plates are 24 cm | individual plate size is 32 cm
Overall 1.8 x 2.2m
$ 4,800
The large jellyfish bloom on the wall is indicative of the collapse of oceanic ecosystems as a result of rubbish in the food chain. Our climate inaction is creating something bigger, in this case large blooms of jellyfish are appearing in our oceans, highlighting the detrimental warming of the oceans and the effect on ecosystems.
Beautiful as they are in nature, jellyfish take over an environment where other creatures are unable to exist. Humans are not managing the waste of their living, this waste has become the glittering flotsam of their lifestyles – which has become an intrinsic part of interaction with our planet. Universal flotsam and our jettisoned waste is our responsibility but what is being created from our waste is something that is both terrifying and compellingly beautiful in its existence
These ceramic pieces are made by manipulating the surface, pushing out and infiltrating, almost invading the space.
Simon Reece studied ceramics at The National Art School (formerly East Sydney Technical College), in 1980 for 3 years. Working for ceramic master, Uneo Norihide in Bizen in 1985, where he learned the art of wood firing ceramics and developing a strong sense of ceramic aesthetics. These skills and methodologies still dominate and inform his work practice.
Constantly adapting and always working with different clays and developing glazes from raw materials, Simon has worked creating tableware for some of Australia’s acclaimed chefs. He has made large-scale environmental sculptures for private commissions and public works.
Recently completing a 27m ceramic mural ‘escarpment’ for Inner West Council in Sydney.
In 2014, Simon travelled with Merran Esson and Malcolm Greenwood to Shigaraki where they conducted workshops and lectures at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park.
His recent work includes collaborations with contemporary artists and continuing to develop and adapt his own studio practice.
His work has been exhibited at galleries including The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, Manly Art Gallery, Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, Newcastle Regional Art Gallery, Gold Coast Art Gallery. His work is held in private collections in Australia, USA, Japan, Europe, The Newcastle Regional Gallery and Manly Art Gallery and Museum.
He was one of the Master ceramicists at CLAYarc Gulgong in April 2016
