Carol Forster is a Sunshine Coast-based artist and recent winner of the 2021 Du Rietz Budget Steel 3D Award. Carol has been working with clay for the past 45 years, often drawing inspiration from her surroundings.
Gympie Regional Gallery’s newest exhibition, ‘Clay Impressions’ is a reflection of Carol’s love of technique and her experimentation with a variety of styles to create impressions, colours, textures and contrasts in clay.
Mirroring her passion for nature and appreciation of ecosystems, Carol draws inspiration from walks in the forests, gardens and beaches that surround her home. Many of her pieces feature elements of nature; from colourful fungi, leaves of all shapes and seeds to flora found on the forest floor. Carol replicates the natural matter into clay to adorn vases, bowls and other sculptures giving them another life.
‘Clay Impressions’ pays respect to the natural environment and the importance of preservation.
“This exhibition is primarily my homage to the coastal and rural landscapes of the Sunshine Coast where I live.
“For me, some of the pieces in this exhibition serve as a reminder of the urgent need to address climate change to preserve our forests, bushlands and beaches for future generations to enjoy and explore,” Carol said.
‘Clay Impressions’ is on display now until Saturday, 6 November 2021.
Entry to the Gympie Regional Gallery at 39 Nash Street is free, with opening hours from 10.00am to 4.00pm Tuesday to Saturday.
For more information, or to make bookings for workshops, floor talks and themed activities, visit www.gympie.qld.gov.au/gallery or call 5481 0733.
