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Lisa Magri Email: magrimail@optusnet.com.au |
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Artists Statement "I have been hand building clay objects for 25 years. While sculpture is the focus, I remain strongly linked to the vessel. A mysterious energy arises from the spaces within and surrounding the form. I use a combination of slab and coil building methods, using the potter’s wheel occasionally for circular details, and forms. I am particularly interested in how light falls over the surfaces and contrasts with shadows. I love to create a soft tonal transition from light to shadow. Le Corbusier’s Notre Dame Du Haut was the original catalyst for a series I call the Spirit House. Initially, I experimented with white curving planes, adding architectural references such as windows and arched doors. My audience was stimulated to associate the forms with the simplicity and charm of the white- washed vernacular architecture, found throughout Mediterranean coastal cities. This prompted me to respond to vernacular architecture from around the world in form and architectural motifs. These houses represent a spiritual place with universal appeal. The white glaze I have chosen is soothingly “soft” and interacts with the body of the clay. A variety of effects can be achieved by altering the thickness of the glaze. Allowing the creamy clay body to show through or utilising the tendency of the glaze to pinhole, adding variety and individuality to each piece. A further development in my work has arisen from learning belly dance (Raq Sharqi). This has sparked an interest in the decorative arts of the East. The ornate costumes, rhythmic music, and the coming together of women to express their femininity, provides a rich palette of ideas for form and decoration. I listened to the hypnotic strings, drums and zills of Taqseem music, which is punctuated with poignant pauses, while creating this body of work. Many of these pieces incorporate a lid, which connects the sculptural or decorative aspects with the functional. These are metaphorical containers for holding thoughts and memories which are stimulated by these forms. The birds which appear in Rail In Repose and Lyrebird Drum were selected to give an Australian adaptation to bird motifs, which are found on early Eastern pottery and metalwork. Birds are universally, symbolic spiritual messengers. We are all moved by events which are documented in the media, both triumphant and tragic. It is very mysterious to me that often as I am commencing a new design, an event will occur, which coincidentally, will visually relate. I find that meditation on the topic as I work permits the emotions, which I am feeling, to be expressed in the shaping of the clay and achieves closure. I know that I am not alone in my reactions to world and local events, so this creates a spiritual connection with others as I work. Therefore some of my sculptures are memorials and some commemorative works." |
Saiidi Flame
Treasure Dome
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 Trullo Duo
Moonstone
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 Dolmen
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