Rosanagh May is a Tasmanian ceramicist who builds by hand at a shed in Yolla. The intensity of her black dots on white reminds me of Yayoi Kusama's iconic pumpkins and her insets of song lyrics scratch an itch in my brain, the same part that seizes little bits of music and stores them in jars like fireflies.
As I was already following Rosanagh's work, I was delighted to be announced as a finalist in the National Emerging Art Prize in same year as her. Rosanagh's Champion Ruby clay work is one of 24 ceramic pieces and my All Monsters Are Real imitation Ming Dynasty scroll on an abandoned skateboard is one of 64 paintings in this prestigious art prize, currently on show at Michael Reid Art Bar in Pyrmont. I've learned that the ceramicists of 2023 went out for a drink before the opening, which is wonderful. The bond between artists is very special.
Rosanagh May holds her artwork Champion Ruby. Photo supplied
Rosanagh May is the 11th in my series of creatives to take five questions.
When my creative process is stuck, I reach for... Spotify! Usually I make a piece and chose the lyrics once it’s bisque fired, but if I’m stuck on what to make I’ll choose a song first and play it on repeat while I make the vessel.
The weirdest thing about being a creative human is... the solitude and how quickly a day disappears without a thought to what’s happening around me.
The most unusual object in my house is... a tiny, blue, snakeskin and suede lidded pot that's filled with my child’s baby teeth. I continually forget what’s in it, open it and get a surprise every time!
I celebrate my achievements by... making another piece! Rarely do I find the time to celebrate the significant moments - this probably needs to change!
Something in the world that already exists that I wish I had created is... oh gosh, SO many things. But, for a long time I’ve wished for a butter slicer… these do exist but they don’t slice thin enough. Imagine being able to have a thin (or thick) slice of butter that sat perfectly on your slice of toast and melted evenly with no spreading! Ridiculous! On a larger, much more useful and enjoyable note - music… I cannot imagine a life without it.
Rosanagh May's Champion Ruby artwork is on show at the National Emerging Art Prize at Michael Reid Art Bar until 13 November, during gallery hours. Information on Rosanagh's products and workshops is here.
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