It’s Not Dark Yet
Pack & Send Townsville Award – $1,500 (Acquisitive)
Mollie Bosworth
It’s Not Dark Yet 2019
Porcelain, metallic salts
Two parts; 18 x 27 x 16 cm
About the Artwork
The mystery, intrigue, and excitement of the watercolors on porcelain process keeps challenging me to push the boundaries. This work explores the use of a rarely used soluble metallic salt which produces black in extreme reduction firings. Ideas are developed during the making as detailed planning may produce unreliable results. Patterns are developed on the surface and influenced by moisture, acids and other chemicals as well as the firing process. When is black really black? There are so many blacks. ‘As black as night’ often proves to be not so dark. Light and dark are explored in this work as well as other opposing concepts and allude to night in the landscape with the image of trees in silhouette. The polished porcelain surfaces absorb light contrasting with glossy and mica decals reflect light around the forms.
About the Artist
Mollie Bosworth is best known for her fine wheel thrown porcelain, developed over thirty years of professional ceramic practice. She has employed many techniques with her current porcelain work, featuring custom decals and the uncommon use of soluble metallic salts. Her arts practice now includes cyanotype printing and both mediums draw on her interest in botanical themes.
Although mainly a self-taught artist, she holds a Diploma of Art (Ceramics) 2003, from the Australian National University. Her practice encompasses work for group and solo exhibitions and retail with occasional workshop teaching. She has won many awards including the Townsville National Ceramic Award – 2005, Siliceous, and Melting Pot, 2018. Her work is included in several public collections including that of Manly Art Gallery, Gold Coast City, and within the City of Townsville Art Collection.