SEVEN years after her graduation from ANU School of Art, Alison Jackson is having her first solo show.
Alison Jackson… first solo show. Photo by Christine Pobke
The centre of this exhibition is a series of 10 vessels. Jackson set herself the challenge of creating a vessel a day for 10 days using fine silver and copper, some with added binding wire.
The exhibition is fully resolved, bringing a concept to fruition. The vessels, their gently rounded bases balancing on a horizontal surface, fit a cupped hand.
The challenge imposed a paring back of form and decoration, creating simplicity of form. Lips and rims are scalloped. One, with an indent for a handle, is perforated to become a sieve and another has vertical slits enlivening its surface. Jackson describes these as being like three-dimensional sketches. However, each makes a statement.
Utensils by Alison Jackson.
Three whisks, two with polished copper handles and the third in sterling silver and stainless steel, sit comfortably in the hand and the weight would help the cream or eggs to thicken. The handles are beautifully finished and resolved and would be a delight to use.
Groups of vessels in copper, silver and stainless steel make up the balance of the exhibition.
Jackson’s forms are curvaceous and feminine. They are playful, thoughtful and practical. I am sure she enjoyed making the work for this outstanding exhibition.
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