On a sunny September weekend we all camped out on Bob Kingsmill's property in Coldstream, and enjoyed the experience of learning to make masks. Bob was an inspiration to us not only for his free approach to clay, but also his sheer love of what he does. His house and yard were filled with pottery he had collected and made over the years. There was a real sense of interaction with his surroundings, as you can see in the photo of Bob whacking clay against a tree to get a texture he liked.

click on pictures to enlarge

Bob's approach to clay is refreshingly direct. He used different coloured scraps of clay mixed together, not over working it, but allowing the clay to be part of the expression. He worked fairly quickly manipulating a simple slab into an animated face. As Bob worked on his mask, he also had us making masks or our own, learning from the steps he used to create the parts of the face. He also used the wheel to create basic shapes which he then altered into bird forms and wall vases. All his work is all quite substantial and has a strong presence.

Another highlight was watching "A Passion For Fire", a film Bob was part of in New Zealand. It features a Barry Brickell's pottery retreat where Bob created a mural installation.  

Updated - July 09, 2010