Diploma of Ceramics students will demonstrate their skills at an incredible art showcase that will be hosted by TAFE NSW Hornsby this month.

The extraordinary exhibition – HEATWORK - provides a fresh look at ceramics from 12 diverse, dynamic and dedicated students with pieces ranging from sculptural installations to tableware.

The ceramics manufacturing industry in Australia has expanded rapidly over the past five years.[1] Despite rising imports the local industry is booming and follows a general upturn in the market, with consumers rejecting mass produced products in favour of locally sourced, bespoke handmade goods.

Refugee and TAFE NSW Hornsby student Maram is expanding her ceramics skills to tap into the market, enrolling in the Diploma of Ceramics to forge her path to a new career. 

Maram’s experience fleeing Iraq for Australia in 1998 with her husband and 3-year-old son features prominantly in her incredible ceramics works.

Maram said, “It was a very cold, dark and unrelenting boat ride that had taken the lives of other refugees before us but we thankfully got lucky.

“It has been an interesting journey and I try to capture this as much as possible through my ceramic work. I try to ensure that my art displays emotion as much as possible, so that it is free moving and unrestricted by rigid shapes and lines.

“Studying with TAFE NSW has helped me express myself and I find enjoyment through creating art, it’s an avenue for me to express my emotions and my experiences in life.

“I now have the hands-on skills in ceramics I needed to pursue my dream career. I look forward to opening my own business so that I can share my work and my story with the world.”

HEATWORK will launch with an opening night at 6:30pm on 13 November at TAFE Gallery, 205 Peats Ferry Road, Hornsby and will run from 13-15 November.

TAFE NSW students can be whatever they want to be. With over 1,200 courses, diplomas and degrees to choose from, the opportunities are endless. To find out more about studying ceramics at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 13 16 01

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, mobile 0402 528 210.