Japanese Residency in Coburg

Earlier this year I was meant to be in Japan undertaking a residency at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park. I even flew to Osaka – only to return home a few days later. An early outbreak of the Corona Virus had hit Japan and as a precaution the centre shut down. Being back in Coburg so soon felt surreal and dispiriting. However, I still had the project that I was going to do in Shigaraki – exploring the use of coloured stains in my ceramics – so I decided I may as well embark on my own home residency. I had been wanting to explore the mountains of Shigaraki and use that as a starting point for my research. Back in Coburg with movement restricted under lockdown, I found myself mentally walking the beaches I visit every summer. The rocks, sand, horizons, seaweed and shadows became the palette that I began to explore in my work.

I have found that my mood ebbs and flows during this strange time. My days are now spent in my studio, out walking my suburban streets, cooking, watching SBS movies and series, and fluctuating between feeling bored and anxious to feeling inspired and focussed.

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What have you been up to in lockdown is an online collation, a mix tape of sorts, of works, projects, and meanderings by artists whose work Mr Kitly has represented over the years. 

Melbourne has been in extended lockdown since March due to corona and is currently under the strictest stay at home laws imposed since the crisis began. We are all staying at home to keep each other safe and reach the other side.

This series is a way to hear about what our Mr Kitly friends and artist community have been up to during lockdown. I miss seeing them all in person and being inspired by what they do.  - Bree (Mr Kitly)