ROSEMARY IRONS • CERAMICIST
MELBOURNE • AUSTRALIA

Rosemary's work includes functional ceramics inspired by architecture and the urban environment and the natural environment of Mt Cooper in Bundoora Park (15 kilometres north of Melbourne, Australia). Mt Cooper and the traditional home of the Wurundjeri people and is the inspiration for the name of her pottery; Mt Cooper Pottery.

Time spent in the park with the incredible textures of redgum and eucalyptus trees and exposed volcanic rock has influenced the surfaces and choice of materials in her work. All works are layered with slips (liquid clay) and glazes that combine to create matt, glossy, opaque and transparent surfaces in the finished work.

Glazes often have a stone or marble like quality and are tactile. They can be smooth and silky or dry and reflect the material qualities of ceramics and the raw materials that make up the glaze. Some work includes ash from (sustainably sourced) redgum trees.

Her current work in functional bowls, beakers, cups, platters and plates has been created from her interest and delight in getting together with groups of people over shared dishes of food. This interest grew during her time living in the middle east where large platters of food were associated with many types of celebrations enjoyed by of new friends and acquaintances from all over the world.

Thus, some of the forms are linked to Arabic style cooking vessels and often highlights edges and angles and focuses on rims to frame the food and beverages they are designed to hold.  

WORK @ DEA

Rosemary Irons took our attention at the Warrendyte Pottery Show in early 2020, and we have enjoyed sharing her work at DEA ever since.