Avital Sheffer - Artist statement



My work is informed by an investigation of my Middle Eastern and Jewish heritage and an ongoing engagement with the landscape, architecture, languages and wisdom of that part of the world, and that way of being in the world. The world of antiquity, in its diversities and dichotomies, is a passion and an infinite source of inspiration. Ancient ceramics, glass, metal ware and calligraphy employ universal aesthetic principals yet reveal intimate aspects of human idiosyncrasies and needs that are relevant to the present. I am interested in the frayed edges of religions and mythologies, where dialogue and cross-fertilization with other cultures takes place. Personal experiences of conflict, migration, dislocation and renewal intersect with the dilemmas between traditions and modernity.
I am challenged and fascinated by the materiality and discipline of clay, and the mysterious unpredictability of its nature. The act of making is a constant negotiation between creating a new entity and uncovering that which already exists, hidden within the folds of the material, governed by elemental principles. Through these slow processes, I Endeavour to reveal forms and surfaces that evoke a sense of history, while carrying narratives that transcend the temporal.


Ceramic Artist Avital Sheffer was born in 1954, in Jaffa, Israel.


Education
2004 Diploma Ceramics, TAFE Lismore SW
1989 Diploma in Classical Homeopathics, Israel

Professional experience
1980 - 1990 Architecture Design/Town Planning and Landscape Design
Clil Cooperative for Settlement and Development
Western Galilee Israel
1980 - 1985 Fashion design and manufacturing, Israel
1980 - 1989 Managing Director/Secretary, Clil Cooperative, Western Galilee, Israel
1988 - 1993 Practitioner of Classical Homeopathy, Israel/Australia


Solo Exhibitions
2008 Thomas R. Riley, Cleveland, Ohio
2007 Salmon Gallerie, Sydney
Jane Sauer Thirteen Moons Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico
2006 Salmon Gallerie, Sydney
Lismore Regional Art Gallery
2005 Beaver Gallerie, Canberra

Two Person Exhibitions
2004 Tweed River Regional Art Gallery
Mura Clay Gallery, Sydney

Selected group exhibitions, Competitions and awards
2008 Palm Beach 3, presented by Thomas Riley Gallery, Cleveland, Ohio
Collect , Victoria & Albert Museum, London, Presented by Raglan Gallery, Sydney
2007 Palm Beach 3, presented by Thomas Riley Gallery, Cleveland, Ohio
Art London, Presented by Raglan Gallery, Sydney
SOFA Chicago, Presented by Thomas Riley Gallery, Cleveland, Ohio
2006 Chrylis, Lismore Regional Art Gallery
ConVerge, Victor Mace Fine Art Gallery, Brisbane and touring to Regional Galleries to 2009
SOFA, New York, Presented by Jane Sauer Thirteen Moons Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Hand Made, J. Johnson Gallery, Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Gold-Coast International Ceramic Award
SOFA Chicago, Presented by Beaver Galleries
Australia Council , New Work Grant
2005 The 3rd International Competition, World Ceramic Biennale, Korea, Honorary Mention
Gold Coast International Ceramic Award, Acquisition award
SOFA Chicago, Presented by Beaver Galleries
Gold Coast International Ceramic Award
2004 Fusions 2004 Graduate Award Exhibition, Brisbane
Gold-Coast International Ceramic Award
Graduating Students Award Exhibition, Inner City Clayworks Sydney, NSW
2003 Gold-Coast International Ceramic Award
1999 Thursday Plantation Sculpture Show, Special Mention , Ballina NSW

Collections
2007 Manly Art Gallery and Museum
2006 Power House Museum, Sydney
2005 Gold Coast City Art gallery
Various corporate and private collections

Publications
Craft Arts International, issue no. 72
Art London 2007 catalogue
Ceramics Art and Perception, issue no. 67
SOFA Chicago 2006 catalogue
Craft Arts International, issue no. 66
Craft Arts International, issue no. 64
Ceramics Art and Perception, issue no. 60
ConVerge Catalogue, Northern Rivers Touring Ceramic Exhibition
Chrysalis Catalogue, The Emergence of Northern Rivers Artists
The Journal of Australian Ceramics 43#2
The Journal of Australian Ceramics 43#