Rock 'n' roll

With seismic and volcanic activity, our landscapes are constantly in motion. And motion has inspired ceramicist Rebecca Steedman.

Rebecca Steadman, Tectonic crust cake, Calcite future aquatic, 2016, Window Gallery. Photo by Sam Harnett.

Rebecca Steedman produced the series Formations while she was in Dunedin as the 2019 Blue Oyster and Caselberg Trust Summer Resident. Her works incorporate local volcanic rock into fired pottery in what she describes as ‘a series of glazed experiments.’

Working with geologist Dr Nick Mortimer, Steedman gained inspiration from volcanic rocks, oxidized material, and clay found in Dunedin locations such as Broad Bay, St Kilda, and the Clutha River. She found the local rivers and their relationship with surrounding landscapes an inspiration, which became reflected in the curvature of her pieces.

Steedman completed a Master of Fine Arts at Elam School of Fine Arts in 2007 and currently teaches in the graphic design department at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design. She is also a member of the RM Gallery and Project Space Collective, while also maintaining an individual practice.

Formations was at Blue Oyster Art Project Space, Dunedin in February and March 2019.

First published Art Zone #78