Totem-like sculptures shaped by digital forms, 70s rock and a desire to explore our inner fools, clowns and demons are coming to Clifton School of Arts.
Stanwell Park ceramic artist Alexandra Neville will launch her debut solo show, where the light slips, with a free opening event at 6pm on Friday, July 25.
“This exhibition feels like a big milestone,” Alex says. "I’m looking forward to sharing these ceramic pieces with my local community."
Design movements such as Bauhaus, Brutalism, and Post-Minimalism are among her sources of inspiration.
“My work is based on primitive geometric forms – toruses, donuts, spheres, and cubes – shapes often used as a foundation in 3D digital art,” Alex says.
“I’m drawn to strong, simple forms that carry weight and presence. I like how minimal materials and shapes can still suggest emotion or personality. My sculptures often resemble vessels or totems – familiar in form, but still ambiguous.
“Music is also a big part of my process. This recent series has been shaped by ’70s rock and metal – The Stooges, Black Sabbath, and Sex Pistols. That energy seems to filter into the work, with subtle nods to gothic sub-genres.”
Behind her abstract art lies a fascination with people, what shapes us and a desire to evoke archetypal human forms.
“I see the final pieces as characters or figures,” Alex says.
“I’m interested in everyone’s inner architecture – the small, often hidden identities that make up a whole person. Each work feels like a monument to those less celebrated parts of ourselves: a fool, a clown, a demon.”
A multidisciplinary artist who studied computer science at University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Alex has spent the past six months making art in her spare time, working around a fulltime job as a creative producer at EyeJack Studio.
"I began working in props, costume, and set design, and gradually moved into interactive media," she says. "I completed a research Master’s exploring augmented reality (AR) as a complementary medium for contemporary arts, collaborating with sculptural artists experimenting with AR and spatial exhibitions during Covid.
"After that, I felt a strong pull to return to physical making and focus on ceramics as my main medium."
Her choice of materials is a stand-out feature.
"I use grog clay, which has a high sand content," Alex says. "It’s strong and leaves a rough, textured surface with visible marks and scratches. While most people use smoother clays for wheel throwing, I prefer grog clay because it is forgiving and suits my naturally heavy-handed approach.
"I usually start by throwing a range of base shapes on the wheel without a set concept in mind. Once they reach a leather-hard stage, I begin assembling them by hand, fitting the parts together in an improvised way. I decorate the forms with ceramic handles, spikes, chains, and sometimes wire.
"Lately, I’ve been drawn to monochrome glazes – especially different shades of black, including matte, satin, and crawl finishes that create cracked or textured surfaces."
Alex enjoys the freedom of making art.
"Ceramics is a space where I can create without pressure. I don’t always start with a plan – I just make what I feel like making. Getting my hands into clay and following a process for its own sake is something I find deeply rewarding.”
where the light slips will be at Clifton School of Arts, from July 25-28. Opening night: Friday 25th, 6-8pm (free entry & drinks). For more information, visit Alexandra Neville's website
