Patsy Hely is an artist who works with ceramics and mixed media; she has exhibited widely and has work included in both national and international collections. An element of her studio practice is aimed at development of individual objects for the table, and she has been involved in a number of projects investigating larger-scale production of ceramic tableware.

Her academic position in the School of Art is that of Honours Coordinator; she has taught in Core Studies and in the Ceramics Workshop and manages the Ceramics Distance Diploma course website. She is currently enrolled in a PhD at the School, examining representations of nature in ceramic media, and has a research interest in ceramic objects and colonial histories.

 

These objects were designed for the dinner ‘An Artful Feast’, prepared by chef Tim Pak Poy at the Art Gallery of South Australia. Tim wanted to supplement his existing collection of handmade tableware; the design brief was minimal.

We looked at each other’s work, tried out knives and forks on and beside plates, propped spoons in bowls, picked things up and put them down again. The menu had not been set so we imagined what ends our objects might be used for.

Oliver and Tim, in different cities, emailed to discuss progress, and we met up to look at developments. Lead-up time was short and influenced decisions re final objects. Eventually, a bowl with a curve suggested by a scoop of ice cream, but which could be used for multiple purposes, was chosen, along with a set of spoons and forks.

The spoons worked with the inner curve of the bowl and were easy to grasp above the rim; the fork’s function was as vegetable ‘spear’. The bowl fitted in the hand and could be lifted up so the coolness of icecream, or the heat of vegetables, would transfer to the skin - the silver of the spoon then continuing the tactile experiencing of temperature.

Oliver Smith is a Canberra-based silversmith who completed his M. Phil. in the Gold and Silversmithing Workshop at the School of Art in 2003. Since then he has taught a Summer School in Gold & Silversmithing Workshop and delivered a forging workshop. His studio work has involved him in a number of collaborations with chefs and restaurateurs, producing cutlery and tableware for specific projects and events. As well, he makes work for exhibitions and commissions and more recently has been designing for production.

 

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