Geoff Crispin

FORM FIRE & FRUITION

(Geoff Crispin: A regional practice in Clay)

This exhibition was organised by the Grafton Regional Gallery,

Grafton, NSW.

Curator Angela de Martino Rosaroll.

The exhibition Travelled from 1/9/2010 to 1811/2012 though NSW Queensland and the ACT.

The full colour 50 page cataloue is available from the Grafton Regional Gallery

gallery@clarence.nsw.gov.au

A DVD is also available (20 mins).

Photo credits in this section Simon Hughes and Geoff Crispin

"Form Fire and Fruition is a fi tting summation to this point of time in the artist’s life in presenting a selection of works from across Geoff Crispin’s artistic life while also revealing the role of the
artist in the community locally, nationally and internationally."
Jude McBean: Gallery Director, June 2010, extract from catalogue.

Copper Red Pot , 2010, Whiteman creek porcelain,32h x 23cm dia

Collection Grafton Regional Gallery

"A potter for 40 years, working at Whiteman Creek in northern NSW since 1978,Geoff Crispin (born 1951) remains confidently single-minded about the purpose and meaning of his own work. At the same time he is a generous and determined advocate for, and contributor to, his own and other communities. Not only interested in making pottery both as a way of life and a means of economic independence for himself, he has also worked for many years to help make this happen for others. This exhibition brings together many aspects of his work over these decades.

At the core of Crispin's practice, he says, is 'well, definitely wood-firing, and exploring and developing local raw materials wherever possible. But I do what I want to do; I am not a follower of a market. I follow my nose and my gut feeling.' After four decades of constantly experimenting and refining forms and decoration, materials and processes, he knows that his work still leads him into new directions. His intention is, he says, is always to give a view that revolves around the interaction he has with wood firing and the hold it has on him:

'The only thing, that seems to escape the flames and transformation, is that it becomes more and more clear, or perhaps less muddy, that 'the journey never ends'."

Grace Cochrane: Extract, Exhibition catalogue major essay.

Cylindrical Form, 2008, Whiteman Creek Porcelain, 19cm h x26cm w x12cm dia

Collection Grafton Regional Gallery

"Form, Fire and Fruition examines the interactions between an
artist and local and remote communities within Australia
and overseas. Geoff Crispin has drawn from the communities
in which he works and gives back to those communities
in varying ways, through the mentoring of emerging artists,
establishing and enhancing small business practice, and
contributing to the Grafton Regional Gallery’s collection
development. Moreover, Geoff’s work has evolved through
these collaborative interactions infl uencing his artistic output,
style and content in the studio and through exhibition. The
excellence and innovation of Geoff’s work is apparent when
showcasing this broader view of a regional arts practice."

Angela de Martino Rosarol: Extract, exhibition curator's introduction..