Raw to Refined

A solo exhibition by Geoff Hawkins which transitions raw clay and timber into refined art pieces.

Clay and wood can be expressed in many outcomes. Beauty can be found in the art of discovery.

This exhibition enables viewers to discover the transformation, contrast and beauty of different raw clay bodies dug from Geoff Hawkins’ property, along with porcelain clay, that have been hand formed into a range of artworks⁠—functional and non-functional, unglazed and glazed, fired at different temperatures and in different conditions. It also includes wood sculpture pieces, showing similar refinements to the rough, weathered, natural timber from which the pieces originated.

The pieces are an embodiment of forces or processes of creation, transformation and evolution.

The inspiration for Hawkins’ artwork (clay and wood) is generally founded in nature. He tries to find the essence of the medium he is using and work with it and try to let it drive the results. The initial idea evolves. Form, texture, beauty and simplicity are drivers.

Image: Geoff Hawkins, Pod 3, 2023, pit fired paper clay