Raw Earth

“From 2017 – 2021 with permission from Traditional Owners from the Ngaanyatjarra Lands I collected wild clays and built coiled forms which I pit-fi red in the earth, using the local mulga wood (Acacia aneura). I also experimented with terra sigillata and developed a mulga ash glaze. Working with unknown clay bodies and random firing temperatures I continue to push my practice into new territory.

During Covid lockdown I chose to remain in a remote desert community in WA. Though this period presented challenges of isolation, it was also extremely productive for my creative practice. In this space I became more resourceful in terms of exploring the local area for materials, inspiration and experimentation. This body of work brings together a collection of pieces in different states of transformation, from the fragmented to the whole, creating a sense of balance and interconnectedness. The work is a journal, rich in place, ideas, stories and shared experiences.”
Claire Freer, 2023.