Brisbane-based ceramic artist Toni Park creates tactile, textured work that seek an aesthetic sympathy, using colour and texture to communicate stories, feelings and thoughts.
Focusing on two main areas ~ three dimensional wall art and wheel-thrown functional work ~ Toni says she finds a unique and happy balance in her work and in herself by jumping back and forth between these areas.
Working mostly with porcelain in various forms, Toni uses the clay as a canvas. “The bright white smooth surface suits me well ~ my work leaps off the simple canvas through the use of carvings, colours and textures. I also like how much can be added to porcelain to change any number of characteristics ~ stains, rough grog, other clays… anything that tickles your fancy really.”
Traveling all over the world since she was little, Toni says her experiences inspired many of her choices and tastes. “You can absorb so much from other countries, cultures and people ~ not to mention how much it makes you open your eyes and really SEE. You know how you forget to keep looking around yourself when you get comfortable in your own environs? Well, all that disappears and I turn into a childlike sponge…”
“I learned, quickly, what I liked and disliked – I use those influences to inform my work. Hopefully it connects with other people and their tastes. After all ~ that’s what life is all about ~ connection.”
