March 18th, 2023Artists of the Central Highlands …
with Eve Lamb
WORKING in her attractive little Springmount studio, just out of Creswick, ceramicist Kim Haughie
draws much of her inspiration from the region and its diversity of beautiful natural shapes and
textures. This talented ceramicist creates functional pieces that are as much purposeful, practical items
to be used and appreciated every day as they are unique works of art.
Eve: How do you prefer to describe your artistic style?
Kim: My artistic style can be defined as refined earthiness.
Eve: How did you come to art?
Kim: I have always been creative. My parents are creative too so it’s always been fostered. I spent endless
dreamy hours mucking in the sandpit as a kid and making mud pies.
Eve: Which artists have influenced your own work?
Kim: I love the forms of Australian sculptor Bronwyn Oliver and I will never forget the emotional
power of seeing American painter Mark Rothko’s Chapel series. Local artist Petrus Spronk has been
very influential for me from the very beginning of my ceramic practice. I have much respect for the simplicity of his beautiful blackened bowls.
Eve: What is your media or medium of choice?
Kim: Clay is my medium. I find its earthy smell and cool, pliable feel is dreamy and calming. When I find my centre at the pottery wheel everything else drops away. I love the elemental nature of making pottery.
Eve: What is, or are, your subject matter of choice? Why so?
Kim: I like the idea of art in motion, making things that have a use is for me rewarding; platters, bowls and vases.
Eve: Have you ever, or do you currently, work in any other area?
Kim: I have a background in the fashion industry which I loved being in as a
form of ‘art in motion’ too.
Eve: What are you working on at the moment in your current arts practice?
Kim: I am working towards a fabulous mid-year group show coming up in July
at the The Little Gallery in Trentham. It is a major highlight in the gallery’s calendar
year whereby regional artists are invited to exhibit and raise significant funds for a
local charity. I also have a contemporary Sydney homewares gallery interested in
featuring my work so am working on a body of work to send there.
Eve: When you work in the studio do you like to play music and if so what’s your
music of choice?
Kim: Music is essential in my studio and I am blessed to have an awesome sound
system so I like to listen to a lot of ambient, fusions of classical and electronic. I love
it when the birds outside sometimes chime in, it’s magical.
Eve: To date, what have been your career highlights as an artist?
Kim: As a graduate I was invited to exhibit in an international group exhibition
in South Korea which was incredibly solidifying as an emerging artist. I have much
admiration for Korean pottery and have returned several times.
Eve: Do you have any other projects in mind at the moment?
Kim: I am currently renovating my home studio and gallery to return to teaching pottery later in the year, which is exciting.
Eve: What are the main rewards that you derive from your arts practice, Kim?
Kim: The ability to make beautiful things of earth, from the heart, is incredibly rewarding for me.
