Angela Hayes, Slab
Stockroom Kyneton, ceramic space
16 March / 21 April 2024
ANGELA HAYES
Slab
It all starts with a Slab: A slice from a lump of clay - simple and unformed. The slab commences a ceramic hand-building process and also describes the ceramic form. It is the fabric of Angela Hayes’ ceramics and the canvas for expression.
With slab, the artist soothes her inner drama of contradictions. Seeking control and discipline with cautious crafting of form and edge, which is then abandoned for freedom in expression with unpredictable glaze finishes.
Angela Hayes’ ceramic sculptures originate from the study of the classic pouring vessel many years ago. The lip, the body, the foot, the spout, and the handle have evolved from wheel-thrown vessels to contemporary slab-made architectonic forms. Her work has departed from the functional constraints of the vessel and instead has become a receptacle for her artist’s voice.
Hayes studied Fine Arts - Ceramics at Queensland College of Art and later completed a Bachelor and Master of Landscape Architecture at the University of Melbourne. Her landscape architecture design practice, research, and teaching have developed a distinct style and keen eye for design which is demonstrated in her ceramic work. Angela has received numerous awards for her design work. She has exhibited her ceramic sculptures interstate, in China, and at numerous galleries in Melbourne.
Hayes creates ceramic sculptures from her inner-city studio in Melbourne. She finds inspiration in her urban environment through experimentation with traditional ceramics processes and refinement of new technical discoveries.