Preserving Montsalvat

Sergei began his life with ceramics at Cooma TAFE NSW in 1993 before moving onto the Australian National University’s Canberra School of Arts under Janet De Boos, Anita Macintyre, Hiroe Swen and Greg Daly in 2003. Since then he has studied and worked in ceramic workshops and studios in Seto Japan, Minnesota, Northern California and North Carolina.

Sergei’s aesthetic and influences also come from various Asian traditions and philosophies. With many a story to tell in his adventures of clay, Sergei is a passionate advocate for discovering the self through the beauty and function of form at all skill levels.

Jessie Pittard is a passionate printmaker and ceramicist. Growing up with both parents involved with ceramics, she has spent her life immersed in clay. Her studies and technical training as a printmaker at RMIT have influenced her approach.  Within her practice Jessie enjoys exploration and experimentation of form, design and process in both her functional ware as well as her sculptural works.

Josephine is a local and long time ceramic artist of Eltham with a great gift in making and understanding functional ceramic ware. Of European extraction and with decades of experience, Josephine’s skill in understanding how to make functional ware and using the right glazes is second to none. Well respected locally, Josephine is an excellent teacher ceramics teacher and someone you will thoroughly enjoy as a beginner or more experienced pottery/ceramic maker.

Tatts, an artist with a strong background and expertise in mosaic sculpture, has embarked on an artistic journey enriched by a deep understanding of biophysical and chemical materialism philosophies. Through her dedication, she has discovered a captivating passion for working with clay, exploring the intricate realms of glaze chemistry and pushing the boundaries of experimental kiln practices.

Currently in her final year pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Ceramics at RMIT, Tatts goes above and beyond by curating and producing captivating art exhibitions. Her commitment extends to fostering a sense of community through her involvement with local art collectives in the vibrant north inner city of Melbourne.

From an early age I have felt driven to express myself through visual art. This, together with a passion for nature in its many and varied forms especially gems and minerals, have always offered great inspiration for my work, which entails both painting and sculpture. An artistic temperament coupled with a strong scientific interest and a sense of wonder for the way the world is ordered has led me to experiment with a range of media including both two and three dimensions.

Over a number of years I have been involved in various community arts projects and school residencies. I have been an artist in residence for a number of years at Beaconhills College in Pakenham. I have completed an artist in residence at Scotch College at Hawthorn involving the students to produce two ceramic totem poles depicting Australian nocturnal birds and animals. Prior to this I was also an artist in residence at Yarra Valley Grammar involving the Year 9 students.

I see my art as a vehicle for life long learning, and as a means of sharing the knowledge through teaching. I gain an immense sense of satisfaction in being able to help and encourage others through art. In summary, I consider my art as a journey of discovery with no perceptible end. A process of continual development and exchange of ideas and as a way of making a positive contribution to the human condition.