The Tension Between
The Tension Between
By artist: Juliet Van Oirschot
Clay, stains and glaze. 48 x 34 x 115 cm
This work comprises two complementary ceramic tabletop totems. They explore the concept of sea navigation through the interplay of shape and colour of nautical markers in many of our seaside waterways. The physical architecture of the two pieces establishes a dialogue between presence and absence, instrument and element, shadow and light. As light washes over their surfaces, they create fluid shadows engage the eye and the heart. By positioning these forms in relation to one another at eye level, the work transforms the viewing space into an intimate psychological threshold. The fired clay stands as an enduring monument to human ingenuity and the desire to map the unknown, while the shifting shadows cast between the two totems embody the constant motion of the tides and the passage of time.
About the artist.
Juliet van Oirschot is a ceramicist based on the beautiful Gold Coast, Queensland, land of the Yugambeh people. She was born in New Zealand, had a free-range childhood and long and boring international corporate career. Now in her third age, she has thrown herself into the world of ceramics, and experiments with style and form. Juliet makes furiously, quickly and moves from technique to technique. Her learning curve has been steep and her desire to continue to experiment means she has as yet to be constrained by a particular style. Her works range from functional to decorative, earrings, boxes, totems and sculptural pieces. Her work is informed by references to her homeland and ongoing interests of painting, developing and maintaining a large garden and occasional needlework. Juliet works predominantly in midfire clays and a variety of finishes.
Collection or delivery.
--Due to its size, this item is only suitable for collection or delivery by courier - please contact us to arrange a quote for courier delivery outside of Brisbane.--
This item is part of the Plant Empire Garden Art Exhibition, on display at Plant Empire from 17 October - 22 November 2026. Exhibition items are available for sale in person or online. In the unlikely event that a customer purchases the item in-store at the same time as it is sold online, we will refund the online purchase - thank you in advance for your understanding if this situation does occur. Exhibition pieces will be available for collection in-store or delivered from 23 November: to collect your item in person, please select the 'in-store pickup' option at checkout; or to have it delivered, please select either the Australia Post or courier option (Brisbane only) at checkout and your delivery fee will be calculated automatically.