Georgia Stevenson is a ceramic artist who is breaking new ground with her innovative use of waste materials. Her work is a testament to the power of material research and making, and her approach to ceramics is both unique and thought-provoking. With a background in architecture, Stevenson has brought a fresh perspective to the world of ceramics, and her practice is a fascinating exploration of the relationship between materials, process, and chance.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Stevenson's work is her use of materials sourced from local construction sites. She collects these materials, often referred to as waste, and transforms them into tiles and objects that are both beautiful and meaningful. Her process is a delicate balance of material research, experimentation, and collaboration, and it is this attention to detail that sets her work apart.
In an interview with Adair Winder, Stevenson explains that her architectural background has shaped her approach to ceramics. She worked in the architecture and design industry for three years after graduating from Queensland University of Technology, and this experience has given her a strong context for her current practice. Stevenson's ability to speak the language of architecture and design has helped her to anticipate the needs of her clients and to create work that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Stevenson's Breaking Ground research project is a central part of her practice. This project began with an interest in the material itself and a curiosity about its origins. She collected clay from a family friend's house and experimented with it, testing its properties and potential. This led her to explore the use of local clays and to discover the abundance of construction and demolition materials in Melbourne. Stevenson's process is a material-led approach, and she is constantly testing and refining her techniques to create unique and meaningful objects.
One of the biggest challenges Stevenson has faced is the issue of plasticity. She often incorporates a variety of materials into her clay bodies, and this can make it difficult to work with. However, she has embraced this challenge and has found new techniques that suit the materials she is using. For example, she has moved away from wheel throwing and towards hand-building techniques such as rolling, and she is now exploring slip casting as a way to work with materials that lack plasticity.
Stevenson's work has a lot of potential in the field of architecture. She has already created tiles for two residential projects and a cafe, and she is now working on a larger residential project in collaboration with Studio Bright. Her work offers a more handmade approach and a connection to the local context, and it is this that makes it so appealing to architects and clients. Stevenson's tiles are not off-the-shelf products, but objects with history and character, and this is what makes them so unique.
Stevenson's approach to knowledge sharing is also noteworthy. She has created a material catalogue on her website and has co-founded Alternative Ceramics Supply, a platform that provides accessible material information for potters. She believes that knowledge sharing is important, and that it can empower other potters to create work that carries another layer of meaning. Her work is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential for ceramics to make a meaningful impact in the world.
In conclusion, Georgia Stevenson is a ceramic artist who is pushing the boundaries of what is possible with waste materials. Her work is a beautiful exploration of the relationship between materials, process, and chance, and it is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. Stevenson's practice is a shining example of how ceramics can be used to create meaningful and impactful objects, and her work is sure to inspire and influence the next generation of ceramic artists.
