JULY TECHNICAL CHALLENGE WINNER
Ceramics Art QLD is excited to announce the winner of the July Technical Challenge – Gabrielle O’Brien
Images supplied by the artist
This challenge required participants to sculpt an animal — real, imaginary, or symbolic.
Gabrielle O’Brien
July Judge – Jo Norton
Judges Comments:
1. Response to the Brief – Strong
The idea is clear and easy to understand. The elephant pulling the animal-filled cart creates a fun story.
2. Technical Execution – Strong
The animals and cart show good modelling, detail and use of colour. Some small areas could be more refined.
3. Creativity & Interpretation – Very Strong
The unusual combination of animals and playful characters makes the work original and imaginative.
4. Resolution & Presentation – Strong
The sculpture is cohesive and detailed. The photo could be improved with softer lighting and fewer shadows.
Overall: 8–9/10
The strongest qualities are creativity, storytelling and craftsmanship.
Interview with Gabrielle O’Brien
Question — Your sculpture brings together a whole cast of animals in a joyful, almost parade‑like scene. What story or emotional atmosphere were you hoping to create, and how did that guide your decisions throughout the making process?
I was really chuffed to win this month’s technical challenge. This piece ‘Running away from the circus’ was meant to go in another competition but I started late and there was a bit of a last minute issue with our community kiln at Redcliffe Pottery Group.
I have only been making for about 4 years, mostly working in paperclay for handbuilt work as it is flexible for both stocky elephant legs to fine cockatoo crests!
In this piece I am asking the viewer to imagine these animals are running from the circus tent and away from the spectacle, leaving behind the audience and captivity of forced performance. A small monkey and a tiger cub sitting on an elephant leads the way, pulling an old door on wheels carrying a sun bear, a parrot, and a dog — a small procession of beings reclaiming their freedom.
At one level I do want to embrace joy and playfulness imagining these cheeky animals conspiring to escape.
But I also want viewers to look past the comic scene and confront the reality behind it: animals trained to perform are often subjected to fear, deprivation, and lifelong captivity. Around the world and in Australia, organisations such as RSPCA, PETA, and Animals Australia continue to expose the cruelty embedded in animal based entertainment. Tourists are still drawn to shows featuring elephants giving rides, monkeys dressed as performers, sun bears forced to dance, parrots and dogs doing tricks, or tigers in selfies with tourists.
I enjoy anthropomorphising animals to tell a story and I enjoyed putting these cute escapees together.
I really appreciated Jo’s feedback as I can definitely see how I can improve it – especially trying to get a better photo! I am enjoying the technical challenges although I have missed the deadline a few times – partly because I get stumped at what to make and getting items decorated and fired in time! I am always trying new things so welcome interacting with fellow potteries online @redmagpiestudio and of course in real life at my local club at Redcliffe Pottery Club.
