The Making of Masters: History of the Siliceous Award for Ceramic Excellence
The Siliceous Award for Ceramic Excellence is a recognition and celebration of artistic excellence and innovation in ceramics. Since being established the Siliceous Award has grown in profile and now receives local, national, and international media coverage. It attracts a high standard of entries from around Australia. With the Siliceous Award being a showcase of both established artists and enthusiasts, it is a unique opportunity to see the best in contemporary Australian ceramics.
The inaugural Siliceous Award for Ceramic Excellence was held in 2015. From the years 2015-2019 (inclusive) the Award was presented annually, with only CAQ members eligible to enter, and held in conjunction with the annual members’ exhibition at the Brisbane Institute of Art. From 2021, the Award was made a biennial acquisitive prize, open to all Australian citizens and permanent residents, with the winning piece added to the CAQ Permanent Collection. The Permanent Collection comprises over 200 pieces from significant Australian makers, such as Gwyn Hanssen Pigott and Milton Moon.
In 2023 the Award included the Gwyn Hanssen Pigott Wood Fired Ceramics Award presented by the Australian Wood Firers United. The Australian Ceramics Association will be sponsoring two Highly Commended Awards for the 2025 competition.
Winners of the Siliceous Award
Siliceous #7 2023
Winner: Astrid Salomon Dark Fruit Highly Commended: Ruby Yeh Meditation on San Zi Jing, Simone Fraser Surfaced Tension II, Euan Craig Igusa Hidaskuki Tea Bowl, Jennifer Oh The Long Tether, Lauren Joffe Hold, Csongvay Blackwood Fold the Line, Version 7.
Gwyn Hanssen Pigott Wood Fired Ceramics Award, presented by Australian Wood Firers United: Ray Cavill The Fire and The Flood II
Judge: Dr Rebecca Coates
The 2023 Award was held at the Ipswich Community Gallery and included a community program of floor talks, guided tours, and a pop-up studio for members of the public. The catalogue is available here.
Siliceous #6 2021
Winner: Nicolette Johnson Nine Tendrils Highly Commended, sponsored by Walker Ceramics: John Tuckwell A Mind of its Own People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Qld Electrical Solutions: Paula Bowie A Bunya Dreaming x Trio of Jars.
Judge: Diana Warnes, Head of Curatorial Projects, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast
The 2021 Award was held at The Butter Factory Arts Centre in Cooroy. The catalogue is available here.
Siliceous #5 2019
Winner: Tatsuya Tsutsui Pomegranate Highly Commended: Bill Powell Metallica, Maryke Miller Abstract Connection, Dianne Peach Optimist or Not – Challenging the Growth Myth, Lee Berryman Kaleidoscope II, Liz Sofield Stitch One, Coil One, Drop One, Phillip Johnson Daydreamer
Judge: Janet DeBoos
Siliceous #4 2018
Winner: Larissa Warren Subterranean Highly Commended: Anne Mossman Seams of Uncertainty, Bill Powell Arid Traces III, Mollie Bosworth Mystery Flight, Tatsuya Tsutsui Mizusachi, Angus McDiarmid Angophora Vase.
Judge: Glenn Cooke
Siliceous #3 2017
Winner: Mollie Bosworth Letting Go Highly Commended: Bill Powell Galilee Depression, Tatsuya Tsutsui Lotus, Shannon Garson The Epic Flight of the Arctic Tern, Anne Mossman Nerikomi Bowl. Commended: Carol Forster A Walk by the Sea, Laura Phillips Baker’s Dozen
Judge: Greg Daly
Siliceous #2 2016
Winner: Rowley Drysdale Oceania #7 Highly Commended: Anne Mossman, Megan Puls, Kirstin Farr, Johanna DeMaine, Mollie Bosworth.
Judge: Ted Secombe
Siliceous #1 2015
Winner: Megan Puls Tidal – Ebbtide Series Highly Commended: Chantal and Corey Biever, Robyn Gill, Peter Biddulph
People’s Choice Award, sponsored by The Clay Shed: Bill Powell
Judge: Damon Moon
