Simon Reece | Carysfort Jar I - Donald and Mr Kim
Carysfort Jar I
Black Spanish clay with porcelain slip and ash glaze
33.5 cm high x 26.5 cm diameter
$ 1200
Carysfort Jars
I began doing some pencil drawings after looking at the inspirational work of Agnes Martin. My drawings started off as random signatures and squiggles in a linear form framed by a square or circular grid, working with graphite on paper. As these drawings evolved and I created more of them, I noticed that they were becoming random gestures, moving away from the original linear format. This was liberating for me and, to push this further, I wondered if I used fresh slip on clay, how much freer these gesticulations would become. I had also been using a coarse black clay from Spain since 2012. In one of those serendipitous moments, white porcelain slip and sgraffito marked directly onto the dark black clay created a freedom and a spontaneous nuance, coming together to create a luscious expression. I have long adored Korean moon jars from the Josun Dynasty and these forms also provided the inspiration for the work. (Simon Reece)
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
