Eve Brown
Albury High School
MY GRANNY, SHE HAD A FARM (E-I-E-I-O)
Ceramics
Clay, oxide, unerglaze, lustre glaze
Farming has always been central to my family's life, and my body of work investigates my Granny, her life and her farm, where old car bodies have always sat rusting in the paddocks. Granny is an intelligent, caring, witty and sensible woman. Her commitment to nurturing and persistence inform my practice, where value lies in the physical labour of making - crafting with care, patience and intention in an age of mass production. The animals also represent my family - my Granny's children. Although my aunts and uncles have families of their own now, my Granny is still central to their lives.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Margaret Dodd; Delyth Jones, Cow, Ram-Sheep, Herd; Denise Romecki; Roy Kennedy, My forgotten Darlington Point.
Marker's Commentary
This ceramic body of work explores personal experiences of farm life, drawing inspiration from time spent on the artist’s grandmother’s farm. The works depict elements such as rusting cars and traditional farm animals, capturing the character and atmosphere of a rural environment. Using hand-built ceramic techniques, forms are carefully constructed to reflect both observation and memory. Surface treatment plays a significant role, with textured clay and considered glazing techniques used to emulate weathered materials and organic surfaces. Knowledgeable decisions in the use of lustres, oxides and underglaze contribute to the depth and variation of the surfaces. The application of earthy and muted colours enhances the sense of authenticity, evoking the aged, tactile qualities of the farm setting.
The body of work demonstrates a resolved and cohesive investigation into personal experience and material practice. The construction of ceramic forms reveals a strong understanding of technique, with well-considered structures effectively supporting the conceptual intent. The use of texture and colour is particularly successful, creating visually engaging surfaces that communicate the effects of time, decay and rural life. The informed application of lustres, oxides and underglazes further strengthens the work, demonstrating technical confidence and enhancing surface complexity. The inclusion of a rusting car alongside farm animals creates a dynamic contrast between natural and industrial elements, enriching the narrative. Overall, the work effectively conveys a strong sense of place and personal connection, demonstrating sophistication in both technical execution and conceptual depth.