EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Bernard Kerr has been a practicing ceramic artist for over 45 years producing both functional and sculptural work in stoneware and porcelain. His work is featured in a number of international publications and he has authored international journal articles concerning Australian ceramics. His work is held in a number of government, private and corporate collections. Some aspects of Bernard’s work are linked to the Western Australian landscape based on the ancient landforms and the wildflowers that have evolved in them. He also investigates the relationships between image and object by referencing the history of painting in the medium of ceramics.

Liz Berry comes from an advertising and graphic design background and has had her own graphic design business for over 25 years. She has been involved in Ceramics most of her life, as her mother was a potter in the UK. Although she never touched clay till about 6 years ago her passion for it was always there. She learnt with Greg Crowe, Bernard Kerr and then attended Tafe courses with Warrick Palmateer. Her passion for ancient Chinese, Greek and Egyptian style pottery has led her to experiment with different clays and glazes to achieve an effect of old treasures. Liz hopes that joining the CAAWA committee will give her an opportunity to meet many more like-minded potters, share experiences and most of all help to promote the art of ceramics here in Western Australia.

Felicity was introduced to the beauty of porcelain and slip casting in 2016 in what was to be the first of many classes at the Fremantle Art Centre. With a background in landscape design, She focuses on modern aesthetics using a minimalist colour palette and handmade decals to create pattern and texture representing the natural environment. She works from a purpose-built studio in Fremantle and has exhibited in several group exhibitions including the 2019 and 2021 CAAWA biennial Selective Exhibitions. What Felicity enjoys most about being a CAAWA committee member is being introduced to so many of WA’s talented ceramic community. She is looking forward to assisting CAAWA in connecting that community with each other, particularly as the Triennale in 2025 approaches.

More details to follow

Janet has been in love with clay since childhood when her father made a pottery wheel out of an old car tyre filled with concrete, which was driven by a Hoover Twin-Tub washing machine motor. Her fascination with the medium was consolidated when she attended the Applecross Senior High School Special Arts program. Janet completed a Certificate in Advanced Ceramics at James Street Tech in the 1970s and later went on to teach Ceramics and eventually Visual Arts. She was Head of Visual and Performing Arts at Perth College for more than 25 years. With a good friend and business partner, she conceptualised and developed Preston Street ARTspace, a gallery, retail space for WA artists and a studio for workshops. Janet is now back in her studio experimenting with local materials and the relationship of domestic objects to identity and place. Through her work with the CAAWA committee Janet aims to help strengthen the profile of Ceramics in Western Australia by using her experience in education to support others in their work, and by using her skills and knowledge to promote ceramics in the wider community.

Jenny has enjoyed her journey in clay over the last few years. It allows her a sense of freedom and constantly reminds her to keep the perfectionist traits in check. As a hand builder she has recently been focusing on creating pieces with a mixture of organic and structured forms and ceramic mobiles. Jenny hopes to commence some larger sculptures in the near future. She has joined the committee this year as she would like to engage with the ceramics community and see it grow larger; particularly with younger artists. She is looking forward to working with the rest of the committee to elevate the profile of ceramics in Western Australia and offering all ceramicists the opportunity to grow and showcase their skills.

Judy Nastov’s lifelong passion for pottery started from an early age. With a career spanning over 40 years, Judy’s journey started with an apprenticeship of production throwing for pottery businesses across metropolitan WA. Since launching her own business in 1991, Judy continues to master her art of production throwing whilst also exploring the artistic freedoms of creating unique decorative pieces. Judy’s works are heavily influenced and inspired by mother nature which is reflective in both her choice of decorative mediums and firing techniques, facilitating her unique style. Judy’s decorative works are commonly identified by her distinctive bottle shapes and mastered colours, achieved through pit firing. Judy has exhibited Australia wide, establishing herself as one of WA’s most accomplished potters. She has been actively involved in numerous pottery groups and committees, continuing to share her knowledge and passion for pottery.

With a background in computer engineering and a strong science focus throughout his schooling, his life had been lacking exposure to the arts. Two years ago, Matt took a backyard pottery class on a whim and became absolutely hooked. Since that first class, he has immersed himself in the world of pottery and pursued every opportunity to learn about the craft. Learning to let go with pottery has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Now, as the President of the Belmont Potters Group, nothing makes him happier than welcoming new members and watching them experience the joys of pottery for the first time. Matt feels very strongly about the importance of the arts in a balanced education, and he has joined the committee to help forward ceramics education for everyone, at all levels. Everyone should have the opportunity to feel the joy of making!