CLAUDIA & ENZO DE SALVO
Claudia De Salvo is a Gold Coast based ceramicist whose practice explores the conceptual, sculptural, and functional potential of the medium. Following the completion of her Bachelor of Fine Art at QCA and Masters in Creative Production and Arts Management at QUT, Claudia began working with clay and was immediately drawn into the world of ceramics. Drawing on her background in sculpture and installation art, Claudia has gone on to exhibit work in a number of galleries over the years. Notably, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast and Artisan Queensland, along with a number of outdoor sculptural installations including work for Hidden Sculpture Exhibition (Sydney) and SWELL Sculpture Festival (Gold Coast).
A long way from home
This work meditates on the symbolism of ships as vessels of discovery and the significant role played by large ceramic urns that filled their hulls, symbolising vessels of cultural exchange and trade. Together, these symbols have the potential to foreshadow the seeds of colonisation and conflict.
Where do you look for inspiration? What themes do you find most interesting?
Both Enzo and I are inspired by material and process, grounded by the natural qualities of the material (clay for me, and wood for my brother) and the steps and stages that come with transforming them into functional objects for everyday use. In this instance (SWELL), we have conceptualised our work in the natural world, creating an extra layer of creativity between material and environment that we find pretty exciting.
How do you feel when you see people interacting with your sculptures?
I think both Enzo and I are used to seeing people interact with our work in the everyday setting, which is the home. Furniture and functional ceramics are ubiquitous in domestic life and our interactions with them often go unnoticed. Naturally, having the opportunity to reimagine our work in a more conceptual and public setting is pretty exciting, it transforms the otherwise mundane and quiet interactions we are used to people having with our pieces.
Website claudia-makes.com
Instagram @claudia_desalvo_makes
Come and see for yourself at SWELL Sculpture Festival, Pacific Parade, Currumbin 6th – 15th September.