Brisbane based ceramic artist Pru Morrison uses her finely crafted porcelain pieces to comment on everyday life in Australia. Drawing on the influences of a variety of sources, from politics to art history, the works are as topical as they are appealing.

For Morrison, “ The most enjoyable part of my arts practice is creating an open story, where question are asked. I spend time sitting in public places watching and noting the mannerisms and quirks of people as they pass by. I record these as quick sketches with words. These are starting points when I am in the studio. Ideas often overlap with observations on current affairs, arts, and politics.”

Morrisons vessels are constructed using a variety of molds and hand building techniques. Once assembled, the forms often resemble utilitarian objects like teapots or vases, but with a twist. For example, the handle of the pot may be in the shape of a horse’s head or a vase may be resting on a set of soldiers legs.

To achieve the unique, and finely coloured, textured effect, Morrison layers the surface with several different coloured slips called terrasigillata. After this she will scratch through the different layers of colour working in reverse to build an image from the clay body through to the final coloured surface. She often uses black underglaze pencil and adds clear underglaze to the interiors of the pieces for purposes of function.