Avital Sheffer
b. 1954, Israel
Avital Sheffer is a ceramicist working on the coast of New South Wales, Australia, who creates anthropomorphic and architectural earthenware vessels which engage with the multi-faceted nature of Middle Eastern cultures, history and design.
Large in scale, her works make use of hand-forming techniques and a unique printing practice, exploring the intersectinos between where mythologies, language and cultures collide. Her vision is filtered through the influence of the light and landscape in Australia, offering her a unique perspective with which to approach her complex heritage.
Since 2004, Sheffer has had over thirty solo exhibitions in Australia, USA and the UK, including a touring exhibition held in Regional Galleries across Australia. Her work has been presented at Collect, Art London, SOFA NY & Chicago; she has participated in numerous invitational group exhibitions and competitions, won several awards and been a presenter and demonstrator in conferences. In 2006 and 2008 she received Australia Council grants for new work and in 2014 won the Australia Council artist Residency in Barcelona for 2016.
Her work is held in public collections such as the National Gallery of Australia, Sydney Powerhouse, Atelier d'Art de France, Museo del Cántir, Argentona, Spain, Manly Art Gallery & Museum, The Jewish Museum of Australia, Regional Galleries across Australia, as well as Foundations, corporate and private collections in Australia, USA, The Middle East and Europe.
Her work features in many art publications, including The Pot Book by Edmund de Waal. Sheffer is also a member of the International Academy of Ceramics.