Goolugatup Heathcote nagolik Bibbulmen Nyungar ally-maga milgebar gardukung naga boordjar-il narnga allidja yugow yeye wer ali kaanya Whadjack Nyungar wer netingar quadja wer burdik  ∞  Goolugatup Heathcote nagolik Bibbulmen Nyungar ally-maga milgebar gardukung naga boordjar-il narnga allidja yugow yeye wer ali kaanya Whadjack Nyungar wer netingar quadja wer burdik  ∞  Goolugatup Heathcote nagolik Bibbulmen Nyungar ally-maga milgebar gardukung naga boordjar-il narnga allidja yugow yeye wer ali kaanya Whadjack Nyungar wer netingar quadja wer burdik ∞

Standing at Water's Edge

Andrea Vinkovic

9 July - 14 August 2016

Does it evoke the image of waves gently caressing the shore, sun glittering on the surface, and rhythmical sounds of the ocean breathing in and out? Or dark and deep angry waters powerfully crashing onto the shore with relentless energy and thunderous sounds, goaded by the wind? Do you ever think of it as the border of the realm we belong to and the one we can only visit for a short time. Fascinating, Intriguing, Inviting? This solo exhibition by Andrea Vinkovic explores these themes through her unique approach to ceramics.

Standing at Water's Edge

Standing at water’s edge…

Does it evoke the image of waves gently caressing the

shore, sun glittering on the surface, and rhythmical sounds

of the ocean breathing in and out?

Or dark and deep angry waters powerfully crashing onto

the shore with relentless energy and thunderous sounds,

goaded by the wind?

Do you ever think of it as the border of the realm we

belong to and the one we can only visit for a short time.

Fascinating, Intriguing, Inviting?

I am drawn to the big bodies of water, as many of us

are. I like standing at the water’s edge, listening to the

rhythmical breathing of the waves. I can spend hours

pondering and meditating, acutely aware of the vastness

of the ocean and another world hiding under the

surface. World within world. Divided or connected by the

membrane separating water from air. Sometimes, the

connection I feel is so deep that I am acutely aware of the

origin of life. My cells used to belong to the ocean. I can

feel the tides in my body. I belong.

It is an immersive, intense and short lived experience.

I try to capture and communicate that experience through

the objects I make. I don’t have words for those thoughts,

so I am exploring them through making the objects that

speak of them, that allow me to glimpse the holistic nature

of our universe and our being in it.

I look at many natural forms and learn from them.

Planktons, pollens, microscopic images of insects and

butterfly eggs.....

There is such diversity, rhythm and playfulness of form in

those tiny objects, but what intrigues me the most is the

abundance of the little individual variations, complexity of

the form and their beauty.

To me, those forms symbolize life. Life as significant as

mine. Fragile and strong. Unique and universal.

Nature, of course, never makes straight lines or perfectly

symmetrical curves. It grows forms in the seemingly

spontaneous and playful, yet ordered and rhythmic way. I

try to observe closely and grasp the essence of each form

in order to create the visual symbols, language without

words that will talk about life. Not human life. Universal life.

Using clay to express my ideas is a two way process. The

choice of the material and techniques defines the forms I

can make, and is defined by my ability to manipulate and

understand the material I use. I love the feel, the smell,

and the idea of using a natural, earthy, ancient material to

explore and express thoughts. It is extremely pliable and

responsive to the slightest touch, and at the same time

often incapable of holding its own weight and very fragile

when dry.

I use all the traditional forming techniques in making my

work: handbuilding, press moulding, wheel throwing and

slip casting; and many innovative, atypical ones. I like to

think of my practice as a creative one, a synthesis that does

not fit neatly into the preconceived boxes of art, craft and

design, but moves freely across the fields.

“Everyone agrees that making art involves self-expression.

However, I suggest that genuine creativity involves much

more. It involves the artist immersing in the art form,

which then invites the audience into that immersive space.

Creativity reaches for connection.”*

Andrea Vinkovic

*Dr. Anne Paris: Standing at Water’s Edge: Moving Past Fear, Blocks,

and Pitfalls to Discover the Power of Creative Immersion, New World

Library, June 1, 2008

Upcoming Exhibitions

Visit

Goolugatup Heathcote is located on the shores of the Derbal Yerrigan, in the suburb of Applecross, just south of the centre of Boorloo Perth, WA. It is 10 minute drive from the CBD, the closest train station is Canning Bridge, and the closest bus route the 148.

58 Duncraig Rd, Applecross, Boorloo (Perth), Western Australia

Open 10–4 Tuesday–Sunday, closed public holidays. The grounds are open 24/7.