Fired Up: Stories Through Embers and Earth

Making objects from clay extends back thousands of generations among Australia’s First Peoples. Much has been passed down from generation to generation, and this knowledge manifests in the present, draws on the past, and extends into the future.

The third iteration of the KHT’s annual Blak Design Program brought together nine participants, from an open call for entry, to work with ceramics during 2023 under the mentorship of Janet Fieldhouse (Torres Strait Islander) and David Ray.

Fired Up: Stories Through Embers and Earth explores the possibilities of clay as a design medium, and brings works created by the Blak Design Program participants grounded in Community, Country and Place and reflecting personal histories and individual storytelling

We acknowledge and thank the participating designers in the Blak Design Program:  Annie Brigdale (Yorta Yorta), Suzanne Connelly-Klidomitis (Wiradjuri), Nicholas Currie (Yugambeh, Kuku Yalanji), Trina Dalton-Oogjes (Wadawurrung, Gunditjmara), Eleanor Franks (Gubbi Gubbi / Kabi Kabi), Mick Harding (Taungurung), Darcy McConnell (Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta), Sean Miller (Gamilaroi) and Corina Muir (Yorta Yorta, Boonwurrung).

Now in its third year, the Blak Design Program is presented by the KHT with the generous support of the Ian Potter Foundation, RMIT University and Fed Square, to foster First Peoples cultural innovation within the Victorian design sector and provide a platform for nurturing sustainable, First Peoples design practices.

Exhibition Catalogue

Click above to view the Fired Up:Stories
Through Embers and Earth Catalogue

Purchase Artworks

Click above to visit the KHT Exhibitions
online shop, artworks available to purchase

Videos