Kokomo - Clay Art

I have been potting for at least twenty years and I have always enjoyed working with clay and creating something that hopefully will give others enjoyment. My studio is situated at Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie, on the mid-North Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

In my development as a ceramic artist I have mastered various techniques, but I find that you are on a continual learning curve and never quite satisfied, always exploring different techniques and concepts. My work has recently changed direction from gas-fired to wood-fired.

In 2007 I helped build and fire an Anagama kiln with two other potters - Jann Kesby and Steve Williams - at Jann's property in Kempsey, New South Wales. The pots were fired for fifty hours and are exposed to extremes with heat and the length of time they are fired. Placement of the pots within the Anagama kiln was important for the deposit of the natural ash; additionally the type of clay body is equally important with wood-firing, resulting in 'flashing' of different colours due to exposure to the path of the flames through the surrounding pots in the kiln.

My qualifications in Ceramics include: 1998 - Kempsey TAFE 5491 certificate 111 in Ceramics - with Distinction; 2002 - National Institute of Art, Australian National University Distance student; Diploma in Art – Majoring Visual Art [Ceramics]; Emerging Artist Award.

I have exhibited my work in various galleries including the graduating student exhibition at ANU; The National Institute of Art Collection; the Regional Gallery and Zonta Art Exhibition at Port Macquarie; and The Mud Shack, Kempsey. I have also lectured and taught extensively in ceramics at Kempsey TAFE of Arts & Media.

Thank you for visiting the Kokomo website. Please feel free to email me with any comments or questions in relation to my collection.

Kevin McMurtrie.
January 2008.

kevin@kokomoclayart.com.au
+61 2 6582 5536