whats-on, John Dermer, National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria will recognise the output of Yackandandah potter John Dermer through a solo exhibition opening next month. Fifty-five works spanning Dermer's long career will be on display at NGV Australia in Melbourne's Federation Square between April 12 and October 6. The gallery noted Dermer had an international reputation as a master craftsman in a range of techniques including wheel-thrown porcelain, terra sigillata and salt-glazed ware. "He is also one of a very small number of ceramic artists who have made a continuous living from his craft as a studio potter over a remarkable 50-year career," NGV said. "With the emergence of a new interest in the ceramic medium by contemporary artists, the exhibition is a timely look at the tradition of studio ceramics in this country through the practice of one of our leading exponents." RELATED: Dermer, 69, said he was honoured his work, which continued a tradition dating back thousands of years, had been acknowledged. "It grew out of a fascination for the process, a passion to create and a respect and admiration for the people who inspired me," he said. Training and studying at a time when research material was limited, the potter had to adapt to different clay and minerals and learn how to build and fire kilns. "I've asked a lot of questions and made a lot of mistakes, and still do," he said. "There are too many variables beyond my control. But the heartbreak of failures can be quickly forgotten, with the emergence of just one magic pot. While my health, passion and energy remain with me, I will continue to create vessels which I hope will bring comfort, enjoyment, utility and pleasure to people's lives." Dermer is also preparing for his 40th Easter exhibition. Among the NGV exhibits will be samples from his time at Wedgwood, including the piece touched by the Queen Mother. Another pot from 1971 had been fired in a Milo tin using a coal fire. "I had pieces from 1967, I had pieces from my first and second firings I ever did," Dermer said. His Parliament House pots will be represented by spares as borrowing the originals proved too difficult. Receive our daily newsletter straight to your inbox each morning from The Border Mail. Sign up here
CONSTANT CHALLENGE: Potter John Dermer, of Yackandandah, strives for the rare but cherished magic pot, "a perfect synergy between the clay, the form and the process".
The National Gallery of Victoria will recognise the output of Yackandandah potter John Dermer through a solo exhibition opening next month.
Fifty-five works spanning Dermer's long career will be on display at NGV Australia in Melbourne's Federation Square between April 12 and October 6.
The gallery noted Dermer had an international reputation as a master craftsman in a range of techniques including wheel-thrown porcelain, terra sigillata and salt-glazed ware.
"He is also one of a very small number of ceramic artists who have made a continuous living from his craft as a studio potter over a remarkable 50-year career," NGV said.
"With the emergence of a new interest in the ceramic medium by contemporary artists, the exhibition is a timely look at the tradition of studio ceramics in this country through the practice of one of our leading exponents."
Dermer, 69, said he was honoured his work, which continued a tradition dating back thousands of years, had been acknowledged.
"It grew out of a fascination for the process, a passion to create and a respect and admiration for the people who inspired me," he said.
Training and studying at a time when research material was limited, the potter had to adapt to different clay and minerals and learn how to build and fire kilns.
"I've asked a lot of questions and made a lot of mistakes, and still do," he said.
"There are too many variables beyond my control. But the heartbreak of failures can be quickly forgotten, with the emergence of just one magic pot.
While my health, passion and energy remain with me, I will continue to create vessels which I hope will bring comfort, enjoyment, utility and pleasure to people's lives."
Dermer is also preparing for his 40th Easter exhibition.
Among the NGV exhibits will be samples from his time at Wedgwood, including the piece touched by the Queen Mother. Another pot from 1971 had been fired in a Milo tin using a coal fire.
"I had pieces from 1967, I had pieces from my first and second firings I ever did," Dermer said.
His Parliament House pots will be represented by spares as borrowing the originals proved too difficult.
Receive our daily newsletter straight to your inbox each morning from The Border Mail. Sign up here
