Jude Keogh
My favourite way to create ceramic artworks is to use materials that are sourced in my area. I use recycled timber to fire my pit kiln and various materials such as banana skins, compost materials, salt and recycled wire, among other things. I choose to use the cylinder and other simple forms to show the unique effects of pit firing, as their simplicity carries the effects well.
My recent works are called Bushfire and Red Earth and Bushfire. The recent bushfires affected us all deeply, and for me the loss of native animals and their habitat affected me greatly. These pieces reflect the colours and also the resilience of our landscape. The cylinders are like the trunks of the remaining gum trees that are still standing. The red earth colours are throughout the Australian landscape. The markings from the pit firing can lead one’s imagination into visualising some of the precious animals or the habitat we have lost.
I graduated my associate diploma in art (ceramics) in 1995 at Orange TAFE, with my major work being wood firing using salt glaze. I chose wood firing because of the beautiful colours created from the flames and the glazing qualities of the wood ash as it floats through the kiln and rests on the pots. I enjoy the physicality of wood firing and the results you get are truly unique. I also work with my gas kiln using commercially bought glaze materials and clay. I mix my own glazes and I also use local glaze materials and local clay to create some of my work. I use ash from various plants and trees as well as ground up rocks, stones and also bones. Local materials create unique earthy colours and reflect the landscape around me. I really enjoy using materials I have found to create my work, just like the early potters used many years ago when potters were very important to society. The discovery of ceramics was incredibly important to human survival and economics. I like to make functional ware with soul and individuality and artistic pieces.
Jude Keogh, The Corner Store Gallery