Shigeo Shiga (1928–2011) was a distinguished potter in both Japan and Australia. From 1966–72, he taught at the East Sydney Technical College (now the National Art School), becoming known as Shiga-San to a generation of potters. Greatly influenced by the intensity of the Australian light and landscape, Shiga once stated that: ‘The climate, history and culture of each country are different, and have a strong effect on the work produced there’.(1) Landscape pot c.1979 is a unique exceptionally large and spherical. This was one of the last large pots Shiga made, having received advice from his doctor that lifting such heavy pieces was detrimental to his heart.

Michael Hawker, Artlines, no.2, 2018, p.56.

Endnote

1 Glenn Cooke, ‘Shigeo Shiga: Vase 1977’ (QAGOMA unpublished material).