'Botanical Figure IV' vase made by Fiona Murphy
Object No. 95/2/1
Vase, 'Botanical Figure IV', stoneware, Fiona Murphy, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1994
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Summary
Physical Description
The vase is handformed similar to the coiling method, by joining strips of clay slab and working up from the base in stages, leaving time for drying in between these stages, and then shaped by paddling. The vase has a flat base, narrowing to a short waist then swelling to an ovoid body and narrowing again at the neck. A number of large overlapping carved leaf and petal forms flare out and up to form the top third of the work. Incised decoration has been applied in a number of areas prior to glazing: a series of short lines across the ovoid body and the petal/leaf forms, and small cross-hatched designs on the leaf form just above the body. A white slip has been applied to both the interior and exterior, followed by a satin translucent glaze (except on the base), giving the vase a pink tinge. The name of the artist and the year of manufacture are incised on the base: "F Murphy 94". As the name of this vase suggests, it was inspired by a botanical theme and is number four in a series of Murphy's botanical vases.
DIMENSIONS
Height
478 mm
Width
200 mm
Diameter
125 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
Fiona Murphy graduated in 1980 and since then has exhibited widely and regularly throughout Australia (See: CV in Blue File). She characteristically uses handforming techniques, her work is usually functional and in vase form, whilst retaining a sculptural quality. This vase was shown in an exhibition that emphasised botanical themes and female effigies. Made by Fiona Murphy in Melbourne in 1994. Murphy works in stoneware and earthenware clays, this particular vase is apparently stoneware. All works are mid-fired to 1120C. She handforms her work by joining thin strips of clay slab, building up slowly as the clay dries (similar to coiling method). The form is shaped by paddling, and the semi-dry works are further carved. White (and in other works, coloured) slips are applied and sometimes incised designs are made, revealing the clay underneath. After drying for 2-4 weeks they are fired to 980C (14 hour firing; 20 hours cooling). Satin tranclucent glazes are applied inside and out, and final firing 10 1120C (12 hours firing; 20 cooling) (From: information supplied by Christine Abrahams Gallery). According to the Christine Abrahams Gallery Catalogue and the date on the actual vase, this piece was made in 1994.
HISTORY
Notes
Exhibited at the Christine Abrahams Gallery, Melbourne, between 5 November - 1 December 1994.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Purchased 1995
Acquisition Date
3 January 1995
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