2022 biennial North
Queensland
Ceramic Awards

Jane Scott: The biennial North Queensland Ceramic Awards has long aimed to increase public exposure to the high standard of ceramics from around the nation, a showcase for both well-known and emerging artists. This competition displays the diversity of ceramic art currently being produced in Australia.

The City of Townsville Art Collection Award of $10,000 continues to provide both opportunities for artists to become part of one of the nation's most significant ceramic collections as well ensuring the continued growth of this important part of the City of Townsville's Art Collection.

Cr Ann-Maree Greaney: The North Queensland Ceramic Awards is a nationally recognised competition that brings a high calibre of both established and emerging artists work to Townsville. A thriving city has a thriving arts and culture scene and judging by the quality of the submissions, Townsville is well and truly thriving.

This year's awards attracted 153 entries from 113 artists and out of those, 92 entries from 76 artists were successful. This is an outstanding result and to have world-renowned ceramic artist Dianne Peach come to Townsville and have the difficult job of judging the entries highlights how highly regarded these awards are.

Dianne Peach: The major piece that I'm choosing is for a public collection and therefore I wanted to speak about ceramics in a particular way. I want it to be something that people will notice and create conversation, challenge them to explore really what ceramics is more about.

I've chosen a piece by a Melbourne artist, Sally Walk, and I favoured her striking black and white piece. Very simple technique of decoration, but over her coil-built shape, which is asymmetrical, almost humanoid shape. The black and white decoration being so simple, so striking is just one I kept coming back to.

Elizabeth Tillack: The North Queensland Potters Association Inc. started out in 1972 after Barbara Arrowsmith and her neighbour Jean Campbell began potting at Barbara's house. For two years, Barbara had a constant flow of potters making pots and dropping them off to be fired. This system worked well until a building in Flower Street in Railway Estate was built and classes in the beginning of a well-stocked library moved there.

Since then, over the last 50 years, the Association has built up a well-equipped studio, held classes for the community with visiting professionals, staunchly supported community outreach and public education, and provided fellowship for the potters.

Starting in 1973, the North Queensland Potters began holding annual ceramic competitions, originally being held in the foyer of Walker Street, Townsville City Council chambers. In 1988, under the stewardship of Francis Thompson, the competition moved to the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and along with Townsville City Council private sponsors, works were added to the collection.

In 1996, Townsville City Council sponsored a $2,000 Major Acquisitive Award for the winning work, which was added to their collection. During this time, the North Queensland Potter Association's lifetime president Wendy Bainbridge and members organised and set up annual exhibitions at the Gallery until 2001 when Gallery Services combined with the North Queensland Potters Association to run this national competition and change it to biennial.

Townsville City Council continues to sponsor the Major Acquisitive Award, which ensures the continued growth of the City of Townsville ceramic collection.

Cr Ann-Maree Greaney: Events like the North Queensland Ceramic Awards are elevating the reputation of Townsville as the arts and culture capital of northern Australia.

Jane Scott: Ceramics has a long and strong history in Australia reflecting societal and fashion trends as well as advancement in technology. It speaks of politics and aesthetics of the day whilst keenly showcasing artists' love of the material that is Clay.

I hope you enjoy the 2022 North Queensland Ceramic Awards.