Lynne
McDowell

I am a maker of vessels and this forms the foundation on which I work.

ABOUT LYNNE:

Lynne has been a “maker of vessels'' since the late 60s. At the age of 8 she saw a potter working and was smitten. Years later she joined a pottery class and became committed. Pottery encompasses many things including geology, chemistry, physical strength and dexterity, and like all arts, the ability to think creatively, visualising one’s work and having the skill to bring thoughts to fruition. She loves the transformation that fire brings, allowing the work to take on a permanence so it can be discovered by generations to come.

Though Lynne has worked in many areas with glazing particularly shino and celadons, in recent times she has explored mishima, designs cut directly into the clay, then after bisque firing applying coloured slips and glazes. Her love of patterns and inspiration from many sources including flowers, textiles, geometry and sometimes by just letting the knife lead her around the pot. The biggest influence on her work occurred when she taught with the Australian Flying Art School. Travelling in a light aircraft, she saw the wonderful patterned landscape and the way water reflected sunshine as pieces of gold. Now a lot of her designs are created around the reflective qualities of gold.

She has always wanted the viewer to be involved and this led to the development of groups of modular pieces in a work, allowing the viewer to arrange their own display. Recent development in her work sees her making large slab pots and using geometrical design reminiscent of Mid-Century Modernism.

Lynne is a regular participant of Yarra Valley Open Studios - visit Lynne’s studio on 4 & 5 November 2023

Lynne is a finalist in the 2023 YVA | Yering Station Sculpture Exhibition & Awards - exhibition 22 October - 3 December at Yering Station Winery.

Medium: Contemporary Ceramicist
Tags: porcelain, terracotta, white earthenware, incised designs, colourful underglazes, 22ct gold, platinum, colourful lustres, multiple firings, ceramics