Artist Biography
Amy Cohen is a Melbourne-based artist whose work in both clay and fibre is inspired by a long-held fascination with shells, seeing in them a language of growth and possibility, exploring themes of architectural purpose, habitat and protection. Shells are a haunting echo of the life that created them. The repetitive nature of knotting and coiling in her work reflects the gradual formation of shells. Cohen began her higher education studies in Ceramic Industrial Design at Bezalel, Israel’s preeminent academic institution for art, design and architecture. In 2001, Cohen transferred her studies to Latrobe University Bendigo to major in Ceramics and Fine Arts. She completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) in 2003. Amy has since then been consistently exhibiting in Australia, with works in the permanent collections of both the Bendigo and Warrnambool Art Galleries, and in 202 was a finalist at Klytie Pate Ceramics Award.
Resume
Education
2002: La Trobe University Bendigo - Ceramics Major, School of Visual Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours).
2001: La Trobe University Bendigo - Ceramics Major, School of Visual Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts. 1998-2000: Bezalel Academy of Art & Design, Jerusalem, Israel. Department of Ceramic Design - completed three out of four years of Bachelor of Design.
Solo Exhibitions:
2023: ‘Out of Reach’ Solo Exhibition, Town Hall Gallery, Hawthorn. 2006: ‘L’Chaim,’ To Life - Bird Gallery, Kew, Melbourne.
2003: ‘Redefined,’ solo exhibition - George Paton Gallery, Melbourne.
Group Exhibitions:
2024: In The Distant Memory, Convent Gallery, Abbotsford, Melbourne.
2023: Contemporary Small Sculpture Exhibition, Deakin University, Melbourne. 2022: ‘Winnow & Distil’, Tacit Art Gallery, Melbourne.
2021: ‘Pivot Point’ Basketmakers of Victoria, Yarra Sculpture Gallery, Melbourne. 2012: ‘Engaging Form’ - Skepsi @ Montsalvat, Melbourne.
2012: Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, Melbourne.
2011: ‘Arresting’ - Skepsi Gallery, Melbourne.
2011: Manningham Victorian Ceramic Art Award - Manningham Gallery, Melbourne. 2009: Ceramic Victoria 40th Anniversary, Manningham Gallery, Melbourne.
2009: Stirring’ - Skepsi on Swanston, Melbourne.
2009: Pottery @ Federation Square - Atrium, Melbourne.
2008: ‘Clay in Motion’ - Bird Gallery, Kew, Melbourne.
2007: ‘Common Ground’ - Shepparton Art Gallery.
2005: ‘Statements in Sculpture’ - Skepsi on Swanston, Melbourne.
2002: ‘Fertile Ground’ - Bendigo Art Gallery.
2002: Emerging Artists Exhibition - Mira Gallery, Melbourne.
Awards
2012: High Commendation - Association of Sculptors of Victoria
2002: C&J Award and Commission
Studio Practice
2024: Lygon Street Pottery, Melbourne
2008-2012: Ingrid & Klaus Dusselberg Studio, Camberwell, Melbourne
Collections
2011: Warrnambool Art Gallery 2002: Bendigo Art Gallery.
Publications
2002: Pottery in Australia - Borders
2012: Engaging Form, Exemplary Australian Ceramics, Skepsi.