About the exhibition

Curated by artist and researcher Larissa Warren, Shifting Ground delves into the rich history of women potters from Tamborine Mountain, Queensland. It features a dynamic selection of artworks by twelve contemporary Australian artists, alongside a poignant collection of historical pieces by pioneering women potters from the region. All artworks are made from Tamborine Mountain’s native volcanic clays, showcasing the enduring legacy of this craft and highlighting the deep connection between place, material, and tradition.  

This exhibition builds on Larrisa’s 2020 project Wild Women, Wild Clay, which was born out of extended periods of isolation during the global pandemic. Her research uncovered rich and fascinating stories of female potters who lived in relative isolation on Tamborine Mountain from the 1940s to 1980s, digging raw clays from their backyards to create decorative ceramics to use and sell from their home galleries. 

Through a process of curiosity, enquiry and experimentation, Larissa discovered that these clays, much like the women who historically used them, were unique, tough and resilient.

Wild Women, Wild Clay inspired Larissa to connect with female artists she admired. She shared her research and the native Tamborine Mountain clays with them, and each responded to the different geographical, historical, social and creative aspects of her project in fresh and inspired ways, bringing a contemporary perspective to this captivating story while honouring the women who helped shape it: Frances Carnegie, Doris Aagaard, and Joyce and Isobel Morris.

Artists

Pie Bolton (VIC), Veronica Cay (QLD), Vicki Grima (NSW), Stephanie James-Manttan (SA), Nicolette Johnson (QLD), Yen Yen Lo (VIC), Jackie Masters (WA), Pru Morrison (QLD), Julie Pennington (ACT), Ulrica Trulsson (QLD), Larissa Warren (QLD), and Sarah Zalewski (QLD)

Tour dates

Acknowledgements

Shifting Ground is a touring exhibition curated by Larissa Warren and presented in partnership with Scenic Rim Regional Council and Museums & Galleries Queensland. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program. Museums & Galleries Queensland is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.