My work in clay is centred in the landscape, the semi-abstract, forms are reminiscent of Asian ink landscapes and also Italian rococo sculpture. Various cultural influences and methods are unified with my expressionistic gestural, textural techniques that I have been developing over several years.
I use strong grogged clay bodies in complex forms with soft spongy paper porcelain surfaces and contrasting colour slips, terra sigillata and glazes. I have recently started making bases of stained plaster with plastic waste, Styrofoam, straws, coal, etc, that extend ceramic textures down the form. These embedded materials are imbued with deep grief for the current state of our global landscape in the Anthropocene epoch.
Art thinking and craft thinking… My body in space becomes
my landscape
I’m a deaf, contemporary artist and craftsperson with an Advanced Diploma in ceramics. I make large hand-built ceramic sculptures, limited edition slip cast ikebana vases and also thrown hand-carved tea bowls. I make slips, terra-sigillata’s and glazes.
My sculpture explores fantastical clouds and smoke-inspired landscapes embodied in clay. Coming from a contemporary art and design background, I’m interested in the connection between art, design and craft thinking.
I was awarded a ‘commendation’ at the 2016 HIDDEN Rookwood Cemetery Sculpture Walk. A finalist in the Melbourne Laneways Art Commissions.
In my previous life, I worked as a digital media Art Director and Creative Director.
Recent Exhibitions
Previous exhibitions include Leichhardt Fringe Festival (2017), Beams Art Festival (2014), “And ornitho-logical Exhibition” (2014 with Sandra Winkworth).
I have also exhibited at Drift at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art and the Hatched exhibition at PICA. And also, A Fresh Perspective, an exhibition at Kerrie Lowe Gallery, among other shows.
2022 – A Fresh Perspective Exhibition, Kerrie Lowe Gallery
2021 – A Fresh Perspective Exhibition, Kerrie Lowe Gallery
2020 – A Fresh Perspective Exhibition, Kerrie Lowe Gallery
2019 – A Fresh Perspective Exhibition, Kerrie Lowe Gallery
2018 – Kindred Exhibition, Yellow Dot Gallery
2017 – Rock Paper Scissors Exhibition, Muse Gallery
2016 – HIDDEN; Rookwood Cemetery Sculpture Walk
2015 – Leichhardt Fringe Festival
2014 – Beams Art Festival
2013 – Linden Postcard prize exhibition
2010, Finalist – Melbourne Laneways Art Commissions
2004 – Drift, Perth Institute of Contemporary Art
2004 – Hatched, Perth Institute of Contemporary Art
I am interested in the conversation we have in the cultural exchange between the West and Asia. Initially between the traderoots between Dutch and Japan but also post-WW2 with exchage between Japan and the USA with animation and animae, Disney and Studio Ghibli, film and including the trauma narrative between them and current contemporary art including decorative arts from ceramics to painting, digital and video art.
K Collins
Qualifications
BFA from the College of Fine Arts (UNSW)
MFA in Electronic Art at Sydney College of the Arts (USYD)
