In Conversation with: Gus Clutterbuck

Gus Clutterbuck fuses Chinese symbolism with Australiana in his cobalt paintings and ceramics, reflecting his love of the two places.

How would you describe what you do?

I make works in porcelain which encompass objects, large painted forms and large scale installations. Elements in the works are hand built or made using moulds of found objects. I also create miniature mixed-media works on paper and enlarge them greatly to produce limited edition prints. My practice draws on my experiences: working in remote Indigenous communities, residencies in China, and the domestic world of home. My blue and white paintings on porcelain are created with traditional Chinese brushes and cobalt stains and juxtapose Chinese symbolism with Australiana. Recently I have focused on elemental forms such as sticks, used to explore diverse themes of mental health, landscape and the arboreal motif in Chinese art.

When were you first drawn to your current practice?

I found my vocation at age 30 when I did a night course in photography – I developed my passion for art while travelling overseas in my 20’s. When I enrolled in art school full time I wanted a 3D alternative to accompany photography, and discovered ceramics!

Where are you and your studio based?

I have worked from a small studio in Adelaide, enclosed with bistro blinds on the back deck of my rental home since the pandemic cancelled my China residencies. I’ve grown into this space and made it work for me. It’s furnished with leftovers from past creative projects: a cocktail bar, a disco ball and a Chinese crate, now my workbench!

Did you study fine arts or are you self-taught?

I studied Ceramics and Drawing at North Adelaide School of Art. I developed rigorous skills and was encouraged to find my own creative path. Over the years, mentorships – especially with Huang Fei, who is a master porcelain painter in Jingdezhen, China – helped enormously to evolve my work.

What does a typical day in in the studio involve?

While the kettle boils I open slip moulds from the previous day and unload the small kiln from the night’s firing. I schedule my day, write, sketch, make notes for pieces my subconscious has conjured up, do yoga stretches and make a mid-morning trip to the café. 

What is your subject matter?

Family and country – I believe the power of art comes from the heart and lived experience. A chaotic period of my life has drawn me to explore places and landscapes I consider home: from Kununurra (WA) to Jingdezhen (China) and currently Prospect in Adelaide.

My commitment to reconciliation has seen me live and work in Indigenous Australia and has made a huge impact on my arts practice.

Is there anything you’re currently working on?

A new series of large painted platters for an exhibition at Michael Reid Clay in Sydney in September this year. 

Gus Clutterbuck shows at Michael Reid Clay Gallery in Sydney, 26 Sept – 7 Oct 2024 (In-Gallery) and 18 Sept – 18 Oct 2024 (online).

Above: Gus Clutterbuck with Murmuration of Curly Sticks. Photo: Sam Roberts. Courtesy: the artist.