RedEchidnaStudios: Barry Wemyss

Born in Ballarat, Victoria, Barry grew up in the nearby goldfields town of Smythesdale. Following an occupation in engineering, Barry turned his attention to the arts, where he undertook formal studies at the University of Ballarat. Here, among the many art-forms studied, and an introduction to wood-firing under the guidance of Master Potter Peter Pilven, Barry majored in Ceramics and completed his Degree in 1998.

Memories of growing up in a landscape of remnant goldfields - mineshafts,clay-pits, abandoned huts, forests and farmland  was clearly evident in Barry’s selection of earthy art-forms and rustic glazes during this time; much of which he brings into play today, along with gained inspiration from his travels in broader fields.

Following his first solo exhibition in Melbourne, and being the receipt of a travel award, Barry’s journey led him to Japan where he followed the Old Kiln Trails; meeting and studying with prominent potters of Kyoto, Tokaname and Hagi. This experience heightened his already gained interests in Japanese ceramics - particularly teapots, beakers, bottles and bowls - from which Barry’s first two awards were for wood-fired Sake Bottle forms. 

Following several joint and solo exhibitions, journeys of Alaska and Canada Inspired a solo exhibition relating to the iconic Grain Silos of the vast prairie regions of Canada. New forms from this exhibition culminated in further works being selected for the Art Gallery of Ballarat permanent collection.

ln 2010, Barry presented a new body of earthy forms in a solo exhibition at Port Augusta Cultural Centre - Yarta Purtli. The works presented in the exhibition emerged from an awarded Artists Residency at Grindell’s Hut, courtesy of Port Augusta City Council and National Parks South Australia.

Although the exhibition held elements of Japanese influences, further development in the field of ever expanding interests relating to surface textures and sculptural forms were presented. Stimulated by the landscape of the surrounding flinders Ranges, Barrys work displayed strength and love for his roots and belief in country.

Community interests saw further accomplishments as Artist in Residence at Marrickville in Sydney, and Ballarat, where Barry conducted bookbinding workshops with disengaged community groups. Barry says considerable personal experience and insight was gained, where, in major city environments, the overall experience presented new outlooks and artistic opportunities.

Travelling the Nullarbor and working on a cattle station in central WA in 2013 granted further inspiration, where landforms, textures and colour again featured strongly with his pursuit in artistic interests. Barry says it is an enjoyable and rewarding challenge to travel, return to base and  make new art-forms within the pleasant surroundings of his Red Echidna Studios in rural Smythes Creek.

Barrys motto - enjoy the journey!