New exhibition showcases creative collaboration of Victorian-based ceramic artists

Craft Victoria’s latest exhibition, Trees and Animals, is a striking exploration of form, using trees and animals as experimental subjects.

Running from March 6 to April 26, this showcase highlights the work of two renowned Victorian-based ceramic sculptors, Stephen Benwell and Raphy.

The exhibition brings together Stephen’s expressive tree sculptures, capturing the strength and presence of trees, with Raphy’s playful and dynamic animal sculptures.

Through their collaboration, the artists create a compelling dialogue between the sturdy, dependable tree and the wild, unpredictable energy of animals, illustrating their interdependence in nature.

“About a year ago, I began a series of tree forms that are hand-built hollow in a simplified way, then coloured and glazed. They have developed into a series of small sculptures,” Stephen said.

Stephen is widely recognised as one of Australia’s most significant contemporary ceramicists. His initial inspiration for tree sculptures stemmed from Italian gardens, where strong vertical lines were formed by pencil-thin cypress trees.

These early pieces, characterised by elongated cone shapes, evolved through his collaboration with Raphy.

“The collaboration with Raphy came about when I suggested he make animals to go with these trees. In the early stages of the collaboration, I thought that I would go on with the same tree ideas that I began with,” Stephen said.

However, I was pulled up with a jolt when Raphy said his animals would all be Australian native animals.

This realisation prompted Stephen to rethink his approach.

“I thought then that my Italianate, toy-like trees might look a bit out of place with wallabies and koalas. So, I embarked on another series called Trunks that I’m showing here for the first time alongside the Trees.”

Raphy, a Fitzroy North-based ceramic artist, infuses his work with a vibrant and contemporary spirit.

His sculptures blend traditional Mediterranean pottery techniques with narratives drawn from the modern Australian experience.

His animal figures, depicting creatures like koalas and wallabies, contrast and harmonise with Stephen’s reimagined trees, further emphasising the relationship between flora and fauna.

“Trees grow, animals live amongst the trees, artists meet and show their work together, it’s instinctual,” Raphy said.

Trees and Animals not only celebrates artistic craftsmanship but also invites viewers to reflect on the intricate connections between nature, art, and collaboration.

The exhibition is open now until April 26 at Craft Victoria in Watson Place, Melbourne.

Collect Trees and Animals online.