About Mel Manser
Mel Manser is a student in the Ceramics Specialisation
Artist statement
Inspirations
I began working with clay almost 30 years ago. My inspiration has come from many areas over that time, from the works of Milton Moon and Hamada Shoji in the early years, to natural history with a focus on oceans and geology and cultural histories of anthropology and archaeology in more recent times. The theories of psychologist Carl Jung influence how I translate my observations and explorations into finished pieces.
Recent works have focused on highlighting the insidious affect of global warming on coral reefs around the world. Corals are actually translucent; they gain their brilliant colours (and a percentage of their nutrient intake) from a symbiotic relationship with algae known as zooxantheallae which are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. As the sea warms, photosynthesis is compromised in these micro-algae causing their numbers to decline and resulting in bleaching of the host coral. If zooxantheallae numbers remain low, the coral eventually dies (Buchheim, 1998); because they are beneath the surface the destruction goes unnoticed.
Techniques
My work is generally decorative functional or sculptural ware made using porcelain or stoneware bodies, but I also create glass sculptural pieces. Most pieces are wheel thrown, slip cast or hand built using slab or coil construction or a combination of any of the above techniques. I fire my work to various temperatures depending on the clay body and desired effect; it may range from 1080°C-1300°C.
Situated
My studio is situated in Keith, in the Limestone Coast area of south east Australia.
Artist's CV (RTF file)
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 Ghosts 1, 2 and 3 |
 Brain coral bowl |
 Brain coral vessel |
 Plate coral vessel |
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 Audrey who? 1 |
 Audrey who? 2 |
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