Kaz’s ceramic works are formed from stoneware and porcelain clays on the potter’s wheel, and some forms are then altered either on or off the wheel. Kaz’s background in sculpture provides a strong foundation for her focus on developing well considered forms. Her recent works are layered with slips, pigments, metal oxides and glazes to develop complex, organic patinas. The source of inspiration for these organic surfaces are Kaz’s photographic observations of the coastal and industrial environments in the areas close to where she lives. A daily drawing practice, influenced by her photography, further informs the surfaces that she develops on the ceramic pieces. The meditative aspect of the labour intensive processes that Kaz engages in as a maker is reflected in the sense of quietude conveyed by the forms and surfaces.
Kaz Davis is a Sydney based artist who lives and works on Bidgigal land. She has been working primarily with clay for the past six years to make sculptural and functional forms. Before embracing clay, Kaz made sculptural works from bronze, copper and steel with patinated surfaces, in addition to photographic works. Kaz completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the College of Fine Arts, UNSW in 1991 (majoring in photography), and an Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts at Sydney Gallery School, Meadowbank TAFE (majoring in sculpture) in 2003.
Kaz has exhibited widely in group shows and prize exhibitions. Her ceramic pieces have been included in several curated group exhibitions, most recently at Brunswick Street Gallery (Melbourne) in 2021, and Gallery 152 (York, WA) in 2019, and earlier in the Salon des Refuses, at SH Ervin Gallery (Sydney) in 2003. Kaz was a finalist in the North Queensland Ceramic Awards and Meroogal Women’s Art Prize (NSW) in 2020, Little Things Art Prize (NSW) in 2018 and 2019, Gosford Art Prize (NSW) in 2018, and Woollahra Sculpture Prize (NSW) in 2002. She was awarded an Australia Council grant in 2021 to support the development of new work.
