Dwell

Natalie Cootes is a ceramic artist based on both the Mornington Peninsula and South Gippsland in Victoria. Her work explores the connections between nature, humanity, and personal experience using various hand-building techniques.

Recently, Natalie traveled to Africa, immersing herself in weaving traditions and participating in a clay residency. These experiences revealed stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures while also shedding light on the region’s complex history. She was particularly inspired by the intricate patterning on the continent’s animals, which reveal  the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

Her latest body of work, Dwell, reflects these experiences by merging the tactile qualities of clay with insights gained from her travels. Using various stoneware clay bodies and found natural objects for mark-making, she creates textural elements that invite touch. Some pieces fingerprinted, symbolising the connection between the artist and her medium.

The title Dwell encourages viewers to think about their surroundings and sense of belonging. Through this series, she examines what it means to inhabit a space, resonating with shared stories and personal experiences. Her pieces are organic forms that feel nurturing and inviting, encouraging viewers to touch and hold them.