Doug Lawrie, Untitled Round Vase

Doug Lawrie, Round Vase

DOUG LAWRIE (Australia, b.  ) “Untitled” 1969 H. 23cm Diam.20cm #dimensions 109164 Acquired: 1970 109164

Biography:

Doug Lawrie is one of the few artists within the Art Collection who is not an Australian. Born in Los Angeles, Lawrie studied architecture at Stamford University and Fine Arts (Ceramics) from Claremont Graduate University, during which he also trained under American ceramicist Paul Soldner [1]

Lawrie then went on to spend the next 15 years living and working in Kyoto, Japan, and it was here that he met with Australian ceramicist Les Blakeborough, who encouraged him to return to Australia with him in 1969 to show his work at his representative galleries one of which was the highly significant Macquarie Galleries in Sydney.  During this same period and whilst Lawrie remained in Australia, he was invited by the Potters Society of Australia to conduct a series of workshops in selected cities, before returning to California in the mid-80s.

Artwork:

“Untitled”, also known as the “Round Vase”, is one of the earliest acquisitions by the University, and one of 29 ceramic works held in the collection.  A second piece also by Doug Lawrie was acquired from Macquarie Galleries, “Square Vase”. [#insert hypelink to this object]

The wheel-thrown vessel was created using a traditional Japanese wood fired.  Made from Shigaraki clay[2], the vessel has been glazed in black iron and an iron oxide brush decoration.

[1] ^{Note on artist's file Doug Lawrie Potter, Macquarie Galleries Canberra, Curator's cabinet}

[2] Shigaraki clay is highly refractory, and while high in plasticity, it also strong, making it ideal for both large-scale ceramics and small work. The ability to develop in a variety of ways is one of the unique characteristics of Shigaraki ware.