Gwenda Brennan

Working with clay has been my passion since 1991 when I commenced pottery lessons at the Canning Arts Centre, and where I remain an active member.

I was privileged to grow up in, the then undeveloped area of Shoalwater Bay. My Mother who was a well educated woman, understood the advantages of allowing me, to explore freely, the elements of nature, both at the beach and on the many occasions we picnicked or holidayed in the southern region of Western Australian. For many years now, I have lived amongst the gum trees in the hills area of Perth.

These childhood experiences, together with my natural environment, have deeply influenced and shaped me, and this is reflected in my ceramic art. Nature is at the very heart of my work and is expressed as I create various organic forms.

Throwing, followed by overlaying detail onto the thrown form is a technique I find personally satisfying. I create textured surfaces related to our environment. My work draws on the strong, earthy colours and forms of our Australian landscape, and native trees, with reference to the surrounding elemental greens, red iron and ochre, and blues of the Indian Ocean and our Western Australian skies.

I also enjoy clay sculpture, creating abstract simplified anthropomorphic forms, reflecting the essentially spiritual nature of man; which often seems un-awakened.

In 2003 I completed a Diploma in Visual Arts and Craft, specializing in Ceramics at Perth Central TAFE under Bela Kotai

I have also been privileged to have been involved in workshops and demonstrations with many West Australian leading ceramic artists, Graham Hay, Warrick Palmateer, Fleur Schell, Stewart Scambler Pippin Drysdale, Gary Zeck, Sandra Black, Greg Crow, and also with visiting artists from interstate and overseas. I find that information and techniques gained from these workshops, is invaluable, now that other previous commitments have allowed me to spend more time on my ceramic art.

I was an original member of Clay Feet Exhibiting group, and have exhibited at Council House Perth, and in Bendigo. I’ve also submitted work into CAAWA annual exhibition and various art awards.

In recent years, in addition to freelance work and some commissioned pieces, I have been teaching pottery at Canning Arts Centre which has given me further insight into an ancient art form that has been foundational to mankind’s existence.