Banksia Continuum
Bronte Claussen
Banksia Continuum (detail) 2026
Recycled clay
Glossy turquoise
18 x 8 x 8 cm
About the Artwork
This set of three Japanese‑inspired stackable cups features a hand‑carved sgraffito design of stylised Banksia integrifolia (coast banksia). Across the trio, the carved tree motif extends from one vessel to the next, aligning precisely so the pattern resolves into a single continuous design when the cups are stacked. The exterior is left as raw clay, allowing the natural texture of the material to remain central and to subtly mimic the tactile qualities of Banksia integrifolia, with its matte, slightly rugged surface echoing the tree’s leathery leaves and textured inflorescence. The interiors are glazed in a seafoam blue, evoking the coastal environments in which these trees naturally grow. The contrast between the earthy exterior and the ocean‑inspired glaze reinforces a dialogue between land and sea, form and place.
About the Artist
Bronte Claussen is a ceramic artist based in North Queensland. She creates functional pieces inspired by the textures and forms of coastal landscapes, with her work drawing on the contrast between raw clay bodies and glazes inspired by water. The subject of Bronte’s work stems from doing what she loves— being in nature—and is shaped by her years working in marine and coastal science, where she developed a deep appreciation for coastal environments, and their interconnectedness, resilience, and inherent importance in a changing climate.