At 82, ceramicist Pippin Drysdale is the subject of a major retrospective, "Infinite Terrain," which opened in December at the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA). The exhibition, curated by Isobel Wise, spans Drysdale's prolific 40-year career and was sparked by a chance, spirited encounter with AGWA director Colin Walker. Drysdale, who began ceramics in 1981 after earlier ventures in herbs and paper flowers, studied at Perth Tech, Anderson Ranch in Colorado, and Curtin University, and her work has been deeply influenced by travels to Italy, Siberia, and Russia.
The retrospective matters because it celebrates a leading figure in Australian ceramics whose career defies the struggling-artist stereotype, showcasing her evolution from functional pottery to sculptural works inspired by landscape and travel. It also highlights the importance of institutional recognition for senior artists, as Drysdale had felt overlooked by AGWA for years. The exhibition brings together pieces from across her career, offering a comprehensive view of her creative journey and cementing her legacy in Australian visual art.