The objects in Dirt Feeling urge us to negotiate the world through a felt reality. Where clay speaks through play and touch – a nostalgic reminder of when dirt and mud were acceptable amusements – ceramic objects of art and design intrigue through decoration, function, form, surface and scale. Both enliven pleasure, they speak to intimacy (in the making and the using) and draw us back to our bodies through the senses.
This exhibition, drawn primarily from the Curtin University Art Collection, showcases works that span decades, regions and practices. Early international influences are evident alongside the contributions of pioneering Western Australian women, who helped shape the industry through experimentation and collaboration. A renewed focus on First Nations artists addresses historic gaps, with each artist asserting cultural memory and connection to Country through clay. Here, the power of intergenerational knowledge, storytelling, and community is clearly manifest. Interconnections permeate this exhibition. Numerous artists represented in Dirt Feeling have had far reaching impact on their peers, communities and succeeding generations. From beginning to end, ceramic processes require an open responsiveness and ability to cope with or even embrace failure, which in turn breeds humility and an enthusiasm for constant learning. This may help elucidate why amongst practitioners, knowledge is not hoarded but shared eagerly through the exchange of skills and ideas. This field is sustained by a generosity of spirit, which translates into works that collectively offer a cacophonous gift to the senses.
Gallery Front Entrance
Warrick Palmateer, Tidal Comb, 2018
West Australian kiln-fired earth, 105 x 110 x 110 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gifted through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Warrick Palmateer, 2020
Section 1
Entry Plinth - left to right
Josina Pumani, Maralinga, 2024 hand-built stoneware, underglaze, 40 x 35 x 35 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 2025
Josina Pumani, Maralinga, 2025 hand-built stoneware, underglaze, 47 x 43 x 42 cm Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 2025
Lefthand Plinths - left to right
Dr. Gloria Fletcher Thancoupie AO Arrowroot-A’oi [‘Aanj Tj]; Cheeky Yam-Abanama; Vegetable Food - Lainde [Layndhi Tj], c1987 ceramic, 24 x 24 x 24 cm
Courtesy of Janet Holmes à Court Collection
Dr. Gloria Fletcher Thancoupie AO, Corrup, The Kangaroo; Chingarl, The Wallaby, c1980s ceramic, 28 x 28 x 28 cm
Courtesy of Janet Holmes à Court Collection
Warren Eades, Untitled, 1987 ceramic, incised pattern waxed & glazed, 20.8 x 20 x 8 cm
Courtesy of Janet Holmes à Court Collection
Gabriell Hansen, America’s Cup, 1987 ceramic, 35.5 x 16.5 x 11 cm
Courtesy of Janet Holmes à Court Collection
Wall - left to right
Penny Evans, Grandmother’s Mark Wall Plaque, 2023 white stoneware, black slip, underglaze, red iron oxide, clear glaze, sgrafitto, 24 x 33 x 6 cm Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 2025
Penny Evans, Little Biggibilla Dreaming Wall Piece, 2020 white stoneware, black slip, underglaze, clear glaze, sgrafitto, echidna quills, 3 x 23 x 18.5 cm
Private collection
Righthand Vitrine - left to right
Judith Pungarta Inkamala, Namatjira Family Picnic at Impurtna, 2021 earthenware and underglazes, 41 x 35 x 35 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 2025
Elaine Kngwarreye Namatjira, Eagle, 1996 terracotta and underglaze, 42 x 42 x 42 cm
Courtesy of Cruthers Collection of Women’s Art, The University of Western Australia
Dawn Ngala Wheeler, Rosella Pot, c2010 earthenware and underglaze, 26 x 16 x 20 cm
Courtesy of Janet Holmes à Court Collection
Carol Ebatarinja, Popelah Skinks (Small Lizard), c2012 painted terracotta, 12 x 11.5 x 11.5 cm
Courtesy of Janet Holmes à Court Collection
Virginia Rontji, Bush Pigeon Pot, c2011 earthenware and underglaze, 20 x 12 x 12 cm
Courtesy of Janet Holmes à Court Collection
Section 2
Pippin Drysdale, Bungle Bungle, 2007-2013 glazed porcelain, dimensions variable
Curtin University Art Collection. Gifted through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Pippin Drysdale, 2021
Section 3
Floor Installation - counter clockwise from entry
Erin Ginty, Artefact #6, 2022 glazed stoneware, 11 x 21.5 x 17.5 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 2022
Erin Ginty, Artefact #16, 2022 glazed stoneware, 9.5 x 19.5 x 18.5 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 2022
Erin Ginty, Artefact #3, 2022 glazed stoneware, 14 x 26 x 21 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 2022
Erin Ginty, Artefact #12, 2022 glazed stoneware, 6 x 18 x 19.5 cm
Courtesy of Dr Jess Day
Lefthand Shelf - left to right
Eileen Keys, Oval dish, 1988 stoneware with native copper and malechite, slip under ash, 5 x 37 x 17 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Eileen Keys, Dish, 1988 stoneware with native copper and malechite slip, under ash glaze, 5 x 37 x 17 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Eileen Keys, Vase, c1962 hand built stoneware, copper, ore and ash glaze, 13.4 x 22.6 x 14.6 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Eileen Keys, Leaf dish, 1967 stoneware, ash glaze with nickel, copper, cobolt iron, uranium, malachite and azulite in body and glaze, 6.7 cm x 30 x 15 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Eileen Keys, Bowl, c1968 porcelain, uranium yellow mineral glaze, 4.8 x 21.5 x 20.8 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Eileen Keys, Platter, c1986 stoneware, glaze, 4 x 28 x 31.8 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Central Wall - left to right
Eileen Keys, Vase, 1988 stoneware with copper and iron under ash glaze, 18.8 x 11 x 9.5 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Eileen Keys, Vase, c1967 stoneware, handbuilt with NZ volcanic rock and eucalyptus ash, 26.2 x 13.5 x 10 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Eileen Keys, Vase, c1967 stoneware, copper ore and lemon scented gum ash glaze, 21.5 x 18.5 x 7 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Eileen Keys, Two sisters, 1966 stoneware with metallic ore, 44 x 19 x 10 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Eileen Keys, Necklace, 1986 impressed and glazed stoneware, leather, 39 x 5 (hanging)
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Eileen Keys, Necklace, 1986 impressed and glazed stoneware, leather, 47 x 3.5 cm (hanging)
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Eileen Keys, Necklace, 1986 impressed and glazed stoneware, leather, 39 x 4.5 cm (hanging)
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Righthand Shelf - left to right
Eileen Keys, Nalda Searles, Basket, 1984 stoneware, rock and ash glaze, kangaroo grass, string, 12 x 15 x 11 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Eileen Keys, Nalda Searles, Dish, 1988 native copper and iron stoneware, ash glaze with hakea and woody pear, 13 x 19 x 24 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Nalda Searles, Grass and clay bowl, 1988 Wandarrie grass and clay, 6 x 9.6 x 9 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Eileen Keys, Bush painting (plate), c1967 stoneware, glaze, mixed minerals and dusting uranium fired three times, 5 x 32.8 x 24.3 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Eileen Keys, Fish dish, 1987 stoneware, mineral mix, clear glaze, 5 x 28.7 x 20 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Eileen Keys, Bowl, c1986 stoneware glaze, mixed minerals, 7.8 x 17.2 x 16.5 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Eileen Keys, Bowl, 1986 stoneware, 13 x 17.3 x 16.8 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Eileen Keys, Bowl, 1987 porcelain, blue glaze, 6.7 x 17 x 16.5 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Eileen Keys, Oval dish, 1986 stoneware dusted with native copper and mixed minerals, 3.8 x 16 x 37.6 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Section 4
Low Square Plinth
Mai Nguyễn-Long, Vomit Girl/Doba Vigit (Doba Nation), 2024
coarse raku clay, glazed, 64.5 x 35 x 41 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 2025
Mai Nguyễn-Long, Kam Cat (Doba Nation), 2024 coarse clay fired to 1100 tri-colour glaze, 15 x 9.3 x 6 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 2025
Table Plinth - left to right
Glenn Barkley, Jug with tumor, 2024 glazed earthenware, 16 x 13 x 11 cm
Private collection
Glenn Barkley, Flouro Pox Vase, 2022 earthenware, 17 x 8.5 x 5 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 2023
Glenn Barkley, Double Gourd Pox Vase with Pigtail Handle, 2023
earthenware, 28 x 14 x 17 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 2023
Glenn Barkley, YouveGotEverythingNow Amphora, 2022
earthenware, 37 x 14 x 6.5 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 2023
Tedye McDiven, Karma, c1973 ceramic, 30 x 24 x 13 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1973
Mark Thompson, Easter baby 40, 1977 porcelain, fabric, feathers, 40 x 16 x 16 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1977
Sandra Black, Pierced bowl, c1980 porcelain, 8 x 9 x 9 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1980
Sandra Black, Bowl, 1981 porcelain, 5 x 13 x 13 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1981
Robert D’arcy, Untitled, 1982 porcelain box, 4.5 x 10.5 x 10.5 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1982
Susan Flavell, Wedding Goddess, 2018 hand-built embossed clay, paper-mâché, found objects, 49 x 14.5 x 14.5 cm
Private collection
Susan Flavell, Goddess with blue jar, 2018 raku, stoneware, gifted vase, found objects, paper-mâché, glue, 34 x 14 x 14 cm
Private collection
Sten Lykke Madsen, Untitled, 1969 glazed stoneware, 20 x 15 x 25 cm Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1969
Jill Smith, Untitled, 1982 mixed media ceramic, 17 x 18 x 9 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1982
Jill Smith, Pot, c1982 ceramic, 15.5 x 9 x 9 cm
Courtesy of Janet Holmes à Court Collection
Theo Koning, Object D’Art Avec Curios, c1979 wood, wool, ceramic, 13 x 43 x 19 cm Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1979
Pip White, Reve de ubu, 1982 earthenware, 8.4 x 44.5 x 44.5 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased with the assistance of with assistance of the Visual Arts and Craft Board, Collection Development Program, for the Australia Council, 1983
Alex Leckie, Adam and Eve pot, 1993 fired clay and glaze, 18 x 14 x 14 cm Curtin University Art Collection. Gifted through the Australian Government’s Taxation Incentives Scheme for the Arts by Rose Van Toussaint, 1993
Low Plinth
Susan Flavell, She Who Scribes the Sorrows I (Love Goddess), 2018 found cement figure, broken ceramic cups, grout, ceramic objects, wooden hand, gifted objects, glue, paper pulp, wire, chains, jewellery, small stoneware goddesses modelled by Nazerul Ben-Dzulkefli and Tyren Kunz, 120 x 70 x 30 cm
Private collection
Section 5
Lefthand Shelf - left to right
Carlo Zauli, Bowl, 1970 ceramic, 19 x 15 x 15cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1970
Leo King, Vortex, c1979 porcelain, 23 x 20 x 19.7 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1979
I Chipperfield, Black and white pot, 1970 ceramic, 35 x 18 x 18 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of Darvo’s, 1970
Les Blakebrough, Vase, 1977
porcelain, 17.5 x 16 x 15 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1977
Les Blakebrough, Untitled, 1976 porcelain, 17.5 x 11.5 x 15.2 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1976
Central Shelf - left to right
Peter Travis, Erotic landscapes, 1974 slab bowl, 15 x 30 x 51 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1978
Jenny Senjuschenko, Arrow plate No 1, 1985 cast inlay earthenware, 20 x 22 x 7 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1985
Jenny Senjuschenko, Arrow plate No 2, c1985 cast inlay earthenware, 22 x 19 x 4 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1985
Hiroe Swen, A Decedent - from Ancient Deities, 1980, ceramic, 15.5 x 33 x 24 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1988
Hiroe Swen, Lotus pot, 1977 eathernware with celadon glaze, 29 x 23 x 23 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1978
Britt Ingrid Persson, Bowl, 1969 earthenware, 11 x 45 x 44.4 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1969
Pippin Drysdale, Dawn, 1986 ceramic bowl, 8 x 36 x 30 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1986
Righthand Shelf - left to right
Ayla Dare-Collard, From Material Play series, 2009 porcelain and strawboard, 10.2 x 9.4 x 9.2 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased from the Curtin University Art Degree Show, 2009
Ayla Dare-Collard, From Material Play series, 2009 porcelain and strawboard, 5.5 x 14 x 14 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased from the Curtin University Art Degree Show, 2009
Anne Cruse (nee Hawkes), Packed II, 1982 porcelain dish with screen printed inlay, 4.5 x 19 x 18.5 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1982
Section 6
Carol Rudyard, Still life with taps, 1981 slide projection, sound work, bathroom fixtures, dimensions variable
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1999
Section 7
Wall
Angela Valamanesh, Outside / Inside #A, 2008 unglazed ceramic, 55 x 155 x 5.5 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased with funds
Gifted through Curtin Foundation, 50fifty Acquisition Initiative, 2018
Table Plinth
Joan Campbell, Egg form, 1982 raku fired dry glaze stoneware, 54 x 51 x 51 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 2000
Joan Campbell, Ceramic form, 1970 raku, 58.5 x 36 x 20 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1970
Low Plinths
Sandra Black, Pebble forms, 1977 stoneware, 9.5 x 30 x 37 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1977
Sandra Black, Pebble forms, 1977 stoneware, 9.8 x 28.5 x 41.5 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1977
Floor
Stephen Beattie, Last tango, 1982 ceramic sculpture, 54 x 54 x 38 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1982
Long Wall Plinth - left to right
Len Castle, Discord pot, 1979 stoneware, 47 x 51 x 12 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1979
John Johnson, Stoneware slab, 1977 ceramic, 35 x 13.5 x 3.8 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1977
Lou Lambert, Untitled, c1973 ceramic, 68 x 38 x 38 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1973
Stewart Scambler, Sentinel Vessel, 2018
wood fired locally sourced clays, 72.2 x 22 x 21.7 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of Stewart Scambler, 2025
Stewart Scambler, Plateau Vessel, 2018
wood fired ceramic, 22 x 33.7 x 21.7 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of Stewart Scambler, 2025
Derek Smith, Discoid, 1976 stoneware, 54 x 46 x 14 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1976
Wall
Hossein Valamanesh, Untitled, c1980 unfired clay, straw, twine, 37 x 37 x 3.6 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased with assistance from the Visual Arts Board, 1983
Low Square Plinth
Janis Nedela, Earthenware bowl, 1989 earthenware, 26.5 x 85 x 86 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1989
Section 8
Table Plinth - counter clockwise from tallest work
Gina Cinanni, Cerca, 1986 ceramic, 95 x 58 x 30 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1987
Anne Cruse (nee Hawkes), Rear view pearls —quiet, culture ahead, 1983 porcelain with screen printed inlay, 12.5 x 15.5 x 19 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1984
Anne Cruse (nee Hawkes), Interior rear view, 1983 porcelain with screen printed inlay and silver, 6 x 10.2 x 21 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1984
Anne Cruse (nee Hawkes), Rear view —dreams will be towed away, 1983 porcelain and silver, 5 x 11.2 x 11.3 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1984
Jeff Mincham, Untitled, 1986 raku vessel, 33 x 35 x 25 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1986
Mark Stoner, Vent, 1984 grogged white stoneware with slip decoration, dimensions variable
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1984
Marc Sauvage, Bomb no 4, c1982 stoneware, 41 x 12 x 12 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1982
Leon Pritchard, Naval - navel, executive toy, 1982 perspex, porcelain with gold lustre, 9 x 25 x 20.3 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1973
Wall - left to right
Jane Savage, Clay vibrations, 1983 porcelain, acrylic, 47 x 29.2 x 1.1 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1983
Jane Savage, Clay vibrations, 1983 porcelain, acrylic, 42 x 29.6 x 1.5 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1983
9
Table Plinth - counter clockwise from entry corner
Unknown, Ceramic flute, 1974
unglazed earthenware, natural pigments, 12.5 x 12 x 15 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of David Davies, 1974
Unknown, Ceramic pot, 1970 unglazed earthenware with ochres, 19 x 23 x 23 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of David Davies, 1974
Unknown, Chambri Lakes sago pot, 1970 unglazed earthenware (clay) with ochres, 42 x 43 x 43 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of David Davies, 1974
Unknown, Sepik pot, 1970 unglazed earthenware, 21.5 x 28 x 80 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of David Davies, 1974
Unknown, Chambri Pot, n.d. low fired clay, 14 x 14 x 15 cm
Courtesy of Janet Holmes à Court Collection
Unknown, Chambri Pot, n.d. low fired clay, 12 x 12 x 11 cm
Courtesy of Janet Holmes à Court Collection
Unknown, Chambri Lakes vessel, 1970 unglazed earthenware (clay), cowrie shells, pigments, 42 x 25.5 x 26 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of David Davies, 1974
Unknown, Chambri Lakes sago pot, prior 1974 unglazed earthenware (clay) with ochres, 33.5 x 30 x 30 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of David Davies, 1974
Section 10
Shelf - left to right
Erik Magnussen, Teapot, 1966 stoneware, 13.5 x 16.5 x 16.5 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1969
Myre Vasegaard, Bowl, 1969 glazed stoneware, 8.5 x 13.8 x 13.8 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1969
Gertrud Vasegaard, Bowl, 1969 glazed stoneware, 4 x 19.8 x 19.8 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1969
Eileen Keys, Vase, c1960 stoneware, ash glaze with feldspar, 19 x 12 x 12 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Victor Greenaway, Teapot, 1976 stoneware, 22 x 20 x 19 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1976
Unknown, Untitled, 1969 glazed stoneware, 20.5 x 14.2 x 12.6 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1969
Milton Moon, Vase (From the Bunyeroo series), 2003, stoneware with ash glazes and metal oxides, 38.5 x 19.5 x 31.5 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of Milton Moon, 2004
Eileen Keys, Vase, c1966 stoneware with inlaid coloured clay, glazed inside and around neck, 36.2 x 7.2 x 6.4 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Gift of the Christensen Fund, 1994
Guy Grey-Smith, Terracotta Pot, c1970s glazed terracotta, 44.5 x 12 x 12 cm
Courtesy of Janet Holmes à Court Collection
John Dermer, Terra sigilatta, 1990 earthenware, 21 x 45 x 41 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1990
Greg Crowe, Lidded pot, 1977 stoneware, 40 x 25 x 25 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1977
Bela Kotai, Lidded pot, 1975 ceramic, 22 x 21 x 21 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1975
Helle Allpass, Tall vase, small vase, bowl, 1969 glazed stoneware, 11x 10 x 10 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1969
Les Blakebrough, Mallee bottle, 1976 porcelain, 15 x 10 x 10 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1976
Michael Ambrose Cardew, Cup and saucer, 1968 glazed earthenware, 8 x 16 x 10 cm
Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased 1981
