Directions in Porcelain

Julie Bartholomew is a craft artist, educator and writer. Julie, who works with porcelain clay, has established a strong research and exhibition presence through academic studies, exhibitions in Australia and abroad, published articles and international residencies. Julie has recently expanded her practice into a range of handcrafted functional ware.

The banded markings on jugs, cups, and bowls are inspired by striations found in ice cores extracted from glaciers in Antarctica. Coloured glazes capture the hues and tones of glaciers, as well as the atmospheric effects of the Southern Lights or Aurora Australis. Julie designs the utilitarian forms, which are translated from drawings into plaster prototypes, from which plaster moulds are made.

Each item is individually cast from these plaster moulds using fine porcelain slip. The handles are joined, and the bases trimmed by hand. This method of making allows for a limited production line of unique and visually engaging work.