Doodads and Doodahs Purple

item details

NameDoodads and Doodahs Purple

ProductionMadeleine Child; ceramicist; 2009; Dunedin
Philip Jarvis; ceramicist; 2009; Dunedin

Classificationceramics, studio ceramics, multimedia works

Materialsceramic, foam rubber, wire, glass, paint

Materials Summaryceramic, sponge, rubber, foam, glass beads, metal, paint

Techniquesthrowing, sculpture techniques

DimensionsOverall: 550 (width), 390 (height), 380 (depth)

Registration Number2010-0003-1

Credit linePurchased 2010

Overview

Issues of sustainability lie behind this brightly coloured mass of coral reef life called Doodads and Doodahs Purple by Madeleine Child and Philip Jarvis. Constructed in 2009, Child and Jarvis recreate a world of cohabitation and natural recycling using domestic cleaning materials and clay. Sea squirts are made from yellow rubber gloves; sponges from hand-painted folded synthetics; and coral polyps from glazed stoneware.

The work is the first work by Child and Jarvis acquired by Te Papa. And while sustainability remains the principle concern, the work offers a contemporary statement on the closeness of the ceramic and craft traditions through use and selection of materials.

Mid-career ceramic artists with a strong exhibition history, the Child-Jarvis collaborators hold a particular place in contemporary New Zealand ceramics. Focusing on the hand-built non-functional object, their inventiveness and environmental interests allow for a rapidly changing and quirky ceramic practice. Both are graduates of Camberwell School of Art (1987–1990) and Royal College of Art, (1990–92). Since 2004, Madeleine Child has been Head of Ceramics at Otago Polytechnic.

A similar and larger work by Child and Jarvis – Doodads and Doodahs and widespread Occurrence of Possible Symbioses – was the joint winner of the Premier award of the New Zealand Portage Ceramic Awards 2009.