Narelle White
Narelle White — 'Moon-grub No. 1' Sculptural Ceramic, 2025
Narelle White's sculptures may seem like visitors from a fictional landscape – a place where wonder is a serious way to encounter the world. Here, curiosity and care become tangible in the organic, animistic qualities of porous, lively things.
Lively things like these:
“Moon-grubs (a juvenile form of invertebrate, amphibious gastropod) are rarely (if ever) found outside one’s imagination. Their common name is derived from the subtle luminescence of their exterior, and from their medley of crescent-shaped folds. Their round, upturned faces are said to reflect the blissful effects of moon-bathing. Such a gentle, biophilic disposition makes them excellent company for humans.”
Moon-grub No.1 is the most Moon-grubby of Moon-grubs. Embedded with coarse sands that bloom pink in the kiln, she is the central figure in a sculptural family of forms. Curiously, she was the first grub I began to create – and, after a classic chain of ceramic mishaps (smash-crash-collapse), the last to resolve.
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Narelle White is a contemporary artist working primarily in clay. Through speculative ceramic sculpture, she explores how imagination can become a mode of inquiry, revitalising our perception of the material world. Her ambiguous forms blur familiar distinctions between geology and biology, organism and environment, observation and invention.
White holds a BA, MA and BFA (Hons) with studies in Australia, The Netherlands and the United States. She is an alumna of the European Keramic Work Centre (EKWC). Recent projects include Speculative Materialisms, Craft and Design Canberra (2024); Soft Speech, McClelland Sculpture Park+Gallery (2023); and Tiny Wonders, Bundoora Homestead Art Centre (2022).
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Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize 2026
5 September – 3 October
Following the success of last year's prize, Craft is delighted to continue our partnership with Mud Australia to present the Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize 2026.
The Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize (SSCP) was established in 2020 by Mud Australia Founder and Creative Director, Shelley Simpson, to support and champion the next generation of Australian ceramicists.
Presented in partnership with Craft Victoria, the annual prize is open to ceramic artists working across functional ware, fine art, handcrafted objects and broader commercial ceramic practices. Alongside a $10,000 cash prize, shortlisted finalists will be exhibited at Craft Victoria as part of a dedicated exhibition celebrating contemporary Australian ceramics.
Read more about the exhibition here:
Materials: porcelain with paving sands
Dimensions: 26.5 x 10 × 26cm
Please note when purchasing, exhibition works are to be collected when exhibition closes.
Shipping costs may be estimates. Please feel free to contact shop@craft.org.au who will be available to provide an Art Courier quote or shipping costs for larger items.