Enchanted by small curiosities and storytelling, the work of German-Australian artist Valerie Schönjahn reflects the discoveries she makes in her day-to-day life – be they tactile or emotional. Primarily working in porcelain, the artist creates exquisite hand-crafted vessels and other abstract ceramic forms, which are grouped with found and collected materials in captivating visual conversations.
Based in Walyalup/Fremantle, Schönjahn’s background in architecture, coupled with a passion for the garden, informs her experimental and interrogative approach. In 2022, she received the inaugural Emerging Artist Award for Sculpture at Bathers, Fremantle, and is a 2023 finalist in the ACB selects for the National Emerging Art Prize for Ceramics. Maintaining a regular exhibition schedule, Schönjahn has presented solo shows in Canberra and Perth this year and is looking forward to an upcoming residency at the Vancouver Art Centre, Albany.
Above: Valerie Schönjahn, Studies, 2023. High-fired porcelain, found materials and wire, dimensions vary. Photo: Miles Noel Photography. Courtesy: the artist.