Standing Stones is a sculptural project exploring how ceramic objects can carry evidence of place.
Developed during a residency in Onishi, Japan, the work draws from the town's close relationship with quarrying and stone carving, and from observations of the ways nature becomes embedded within everyday buildings and structures. Each sculpture translates a different observation into clay through form, surface and process, creating a collection of objects shaped by encounters with place.
Built from slabs and carved by hand, the works were wood-fired in an anagama kiln over four days, where flame, ash and prolonged heat-work became collaborators in the making process. The resulting surfaces are not decorative finishes, but physical records of material transformation.
The works explore how ceramic objects can become vessels for experience, carrying traces of the places, processes and encounters from which they emerged.
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Steve Lees (b.1988) is an emerging ceramic artist based in Trentham, Australia. He began his creative journey in graphic design, earning a Bachelor of Design from Swinburne University. While pursuing his career as a designer, Steve discovered a deep interest in ceramics, which he has since cultivated under the mentorship of Shane Kent and Kate Wischusen at the School of Clay and Art (SOCA).
Driven by a fascination with nature and its ever-changing states, Steve explores how elements exist, interact, transform, and deteriorate over time. He seeks to recontextualise these natural processes into ceramics through form, surface, and decoration, specialising in functional works created using wheel-thrown and hand-built techniques.
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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: stoneware, Glaze, Wood Ash
Dimensions: 40 x 20 x 20cm
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.
