DHULWA/BANKSIA re leaf Exhibition of Ceramic Works by Amanda Andlee Poland

Inspiring, informing and connecting people to Australian flora is at the heart of this project, a self-curated exhibition of ceramic works by the artist, Amanda Andlee Poland. Banksias and their leaves symbolise strength, diversity and hope. The variation of Banksia leaves may surprise some, as often they are seen as less spectacular than their flowers eg B. menziesii. Attention is paid to the rare and threatened species in this exhibition work, eg B.brownii and B. verticillata through to the more commonly grown varieties B. integrifolia, B. ericifolia and B. marginata. Small and quiet leaves and large and exaggerated leaf forms are part of the story and delight and are integral to the ceramic forms.

Banksias have been a constant in my life. My early childhood was spent in WA with many varieties of Banksia around me. In later childhood I lived in Sydney by the bush and have memories of sitting on rock shelves stained by Banksia leaves, and now I live in Canberra and grow Banksias in the garden outside my studio.

The Banksia Garden at ANBG, my home garden and local and interstate field trips are integral to my research.

The embellished ceramic forms relate to themes and memories of Banksias and include urns designed to hold human ashes, vases to display Banksia specimens, and plaques that document personal and cultural moments.

Through this plant specific focus the work questions our relationship to Australian plants and their value in the environment, their connection to culture
and the need to protect the diversity of species.

Many vessels are carved deeply with leaf forms and others are embellished with shallow relief. Surfaces are glazed, partly glazed or non glazed and vessels feature white and black stoneware as well as porcelain clay bodies.

Visit the Banksia Garden at Australian National Botanic Gardens and the DHULWA/BANKSIA re leaf exhibition and linger, look closely and reflect.
The artist acknowledges the exhibition is on Ngunnawal Country and recognises the ongoing culture of First Nations peoples and their connection to the land, flora and fauna.

www.studioandlee.net