“I take an intuitive approach to ceramics, learnt from observing and teaching children. I madly envy their raw and unaffected attitude to art making and their immediate and innate desire to be creative. Their work most often obtains its strength due to its simplicity and honesty and these are the qualities I most strive for in my practice.
My sculptured female forms represent hope and grace and the fragility of life – and they have served to reflect the very happenings in my life. I incorporate birds in my designs as metaphors of longevity and escape.”
Sam Varian
Biographical Notes
1966 Born 18 May Hobart, Tasmania
1990-91 move Perth, Western Australia
1992 London
1999-2011 Mt Macedon, Victoria
1999 1 September birth Tallulah
2004 3 January birth Samuel
Studies
2007 Diploma of Education
Melbourne University
1997-1998 Honours (Fine Arts)
University of Western Australia
1996 Australians Studying Abroad
Past and Present European Tour
Rome, Florence, Venice, Paris
1995-1996 Bachelor Fine Arts
Monash University (Melbourne)
1994 Study Bachelor of Arts in Education (Secondary)
Edith Cowan University
1992 Study Advanced Certificate of Art & Design
TAFE Western Australia
1988-1989 Study Associate Diploma Finished Art
Hobart Technical College
Group Exhibitions
2011 Clunes Art Prize 2011
Finalist
Country Life
Lauiston Press Gallery, Kyneton
2010 Group A1.0
Warburton Lane Exhibits Melbourne
Chair 14
Thornby Victoria
Four Conversations
Hullabaloo Gallery, Malmsbury Victoria
2009 Artist in Residence
New Gisborne Primary School
Ceramic “Life Skills”Totem Poles
Buttlejorkk
Dromkeen, Riddells Creek
Celebrating Sculpture
Sunbury Boiler House
Creative Palettes
Macedon Ranges Art Collective
Woodend Winter Arts Festival
2004 Anything Goes
Mad Gallery, Lancefield Victoria
1998 Honours Graduate Exhibition
Gulag Gallery, Perth
Under the Bridge
Cullity Gallery
Artists Against Racism
Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts
Our Journey Our Choices
Cullity Gallery Western Australia
Hatched
Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts
Guild Art Exhibition
University of Western Australia
1997 Outside in Space
Cullity Gallery, Western Australia
1996 Larcardo Peace Prize
Honourable Mention
Monash University
ARTISTS STATEMENT
I take an intuitive approach to ceramics, learnt from observing and teaching children. I madly envy their raw and unaffected attitude to art making and their immediate and innate desire to be creative. Their work most often obtains its strength due to its simplicity and honesty and these are the qualities I most strive for in my practice.
My sculptured female forms represent hope and grace and the fragility of life – and they have served to reflect the very happenings in my life. I incorporate birds in my designs as metaphors of longevity and escape.
sam varian
July 2011