Apr 15 2024 0 Comment
by Sean Dec 08 2023
I have to say being a part of the 2023 Blak Design program, run by the Koorie Heritage Trust at RMIT Ceramic Studio, was a great experience. Working with mentors Janet Fieldhouse and David Ray was incredible. Also, being able to use the RMIT facilities and kilns gave me the ability to make the largest ceramic vessel, I have ever been able to make, so far.
I had been tossing around the ideas for this artwork for a while, it is from a creation story I have heard throughout my life of How Waan turned Black.
It was also a deadly experience working with all the other mob in the program as well, listening to their stories and seeing their artworks come alive, most of these amazing artists had never worked in clay as a medium, which made it so much more incredible.
The other participants of the Blak Design program were Annie Brigdale (Yorta Yorta), Suzanne Connelly-Klidomitis (Wiradjuri), Nicholas Currie (Yugambeh, Kuku Yalanji), Trina Dalton-Oogjes (Wadawurrung, Gunditjmara), Eleanor Franks (Gubbi Gubbi / Kabi Kabi), Mick Harding (Taungurung), Darcy McConnell (Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta), and Corina Muir (Yorta Yorta, Boonwurrung). As well as Blak Design Coordinator Sharn Geary (Bundjalung) and Ceramics Technicians Te’ Claire, Georgia De Wet and Ingrid Maklary.
In the end I was very happy with the results of my artwork, and also did a poem to tell my story.
How Waan turned Black
Waan the crow had gleaming white feathers
and a big secret he kept from all the others
what he didn’t let on, was he possessed fire
cooked meat, was his true desire
back then, everybody ate their meat raw
but Waan was never messy, that was hard to ignore
this brought on suspicion, why Waan ate alone
so very secretive, something unknown
a plan was derived to snatch Waan’s pack
Waan moved like a maniac grabbing it back
the pack burst open, glowing coals went flying
landing in the dry grass, the blaze was un-denying
Waan stamped out the flames, but this was a fail
he rolled on the burning land, to no avail
the fire spread to everyone, his secret was uncovered
Waan was scorched black, and fire was discovered
© Sean Miller 2023
The Blak Design program ended with an exhibition (FIRED UP: STORIES THROUGH EMBERS AND EARTH) at the KHT building at Fed Square. Running from 25 November 2023 – and extended till May 2024. Go and check out all the ceramic artworks produced by the Blak Design team.
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