In 2007 ceramic artist, Shannon Garson began documenting the magnolia garden of children’s author, Gary Crew. This project has come to fruition in an exhibition of exquisite bowls and vases in The Magnolia Project.

The Magnolia Project follows the ancient magnolia tree through the seasons expressing the power and fragility of the blossoms in porcelain. Shannon begins her exploration with Spring sepia drawings of twisting branches, contrasting against soft, glossy interiors, shell pink, blushing to coral red.

Winter Celadon Family captures twisting branches and delicate blossoms under an icy blue crackled glaze.

“The process of documenting a garden progress through the seasons is profoundly moving,” says Shannon. “Watching the slow growth and blossoming of the magnolia’s, knowing that the small shrubs will one day grow to be tall trees, branches twining overhead to create a dappled expresses the powerful cycles of life and death that move through the world.”

The project was developed with the assistance of an Australia Council New Works Grant.

shannongarson@yahoo.com
shannongarson.com