Diamonds on the soles of her shoes – Daisy, 2024

Inspired by childhood memories, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes is a series of works celebrating women who have influenced my life and continue to influence me. This work references my childhood in Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwean women who would walk long distances carrying colourful bundles and baskets of all shapes and sizes, balanced precariously on their heads. They were the epitome of agility and strength as they navigated dusty paths, rural roads, and passing traffic. With a pared-back form, the curve of a neck and the sway of the hip, I have endeavoured to capture their grace and stature. Daisy is adorned with a colourful quilt. The quilt references my grandmother and her mother’s use of sewing, embroidery, and knitting as a canvas for creativity. It is a tribute to all the women of their generations who applied their art in the form of handicrafts. The shapes and bright colours evoke my youth and reflect my ongoing pursuit of using colour to evoke emotion and memory.

Warrane / Sydney-based artist Lesley Murray’s vibrant ceramic creations are a testament to her fascination with 20th-century design and the expressive potential of colour. Embracing the inherent versatility of clay, Lesley’s hand-built sculptures demonstrate its fluidity and responsiveness, inviting viewers to engage with its tactile qualities and organic forms. Through her work, she explores the interplay of shape and shadow, balancing elements of suspension and movement with a sense of playful spontaneity.

Having earned her Advanced Diploma in Visual Arts (Ceramics) from TAFE Northern Beaches in 2022, Lesley continues to push the boundaries of her craft, infusing each piece with a sense of energy and intrigue that leaves a lasting impression on all who encounter it. In recent years, she has been listed as a finalist in the Exploration 24 -Flinders Lane Gallery 2024, Muswellbrook Regional Gallery Art Prize 2024, National Emerging Art Prize 2023, Hornsby Art Prize 2023, and the Blacktown City Art Prize 2023.