Artist Statement

I thoroughly enjoy rich colours, and am interested in their contingent meaning as an embodiment of personality.

My work sits at a juncture between abstract painting, contemporary ceramics and the study of colour dynamics. At the centre of my practice are large forms built of clay or foam that topographically undulate to encourage the chance of automatic transformation during the making process, as well as whilst the viewer moves in and around the finished pieces.
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I like the fragility of ceramic and plastic as it can expose a poetic vulnerability through its beautiful faults and extend the notion of “perfect” fragility within human expression.
Each piece becomes an artifact of the idiosyncrasies of free impulse and expression.

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Bio​

B1992, Rachael McCallum is an artist, teacher, performer and co-founder of Kil.n.it Experimental Ceramics Studios and is based in spaces across Sydney, NSW, Australia.

McCallum studied at National Art School as a Ceramics major, minor in Colour Theory and Aesthetics; Darlinghurst Sydney. Currently Working as Studio Manager, Founding Director and Technician at Kil.n.it Experimental Ceramics Studios, Glebe NSW.
 
Rachael McCallum has exhibited extensively in NSW and interstate; most notably in the Australian Ceramics Biennial ‘OverUnderSidewaysDown’ curated by Glenn Barkley, 2016;  Performed and exhibited in “WONKY” at Tinning Street Gallery, VIC, curated by Sophie Cai, 2016; performed at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney ‘ArtBar’ curated by Wade Maryonowsky 2016; and at The Casula Arts Powerhouse contemporary art “Biggie Smalls” exhibition, 2015.  

"Art is research.
My pieces are my test tiles, and reveal as much about my personal expression as the chemical environment of the piece at the time of firing. "