About Danica
Danica Wichtermann
is a ceramic artist and teacher
based in the Perth Hills
“Arts and creativity have always played a big part of my life. Ever since I was a child I have been exploring different mediums, painting, drawing and sculpting. My love of nature and flora comes from my upbringing, and was also greatly fostered by my grandmothers’ love of drawing botanical studies, and her many macro nature photographs.
My creations start their humble beginning on the pottery wheel. Over time, mounds of clay evolve to become a canvas that tells my story. Each surface resonates what I live amongst and love so dearly - the Great Australian Bush. My passion is to encapsulate our vast landscapes and unique flora, capturing that which is so different from other lands.
Created from high grade Australian porcelain clay, the surfaces are decorated, meticulously carved and bought to life with colour. The external surfaces are left unglazed making them tactile, smooth and beautiful to hold and use.
I love what I do, also being able to pass on that passion to my children and my students. I have been teaching clay since 2008, a high school teacher since 2010, and became a mother in 2017. My two little ones, Aurora and Lachlan, love coming into the studio to ‘play clay’ with me. I am also fortunate to be able to run my business from home, and create the work that I do.”
Danica holds a Diploma of Education and a BA in Fine Arts from Curtin University. She is a high school teacher and has been operating her own studio - Rediscover Ceramics since 2006; where she conducts workshops, private tuition and master classes.
Danica has won awards for her work and participates in numerous exhibitions, including regular group shows at The Studio Gallery in Yallingup, Moores Gallery in Fremantle, and occasionally the Zig Zag Galleries in Kalamunda. Her work is available at multiple galleries; Aspects of Kings Park, Fremantle Arts Centre and Art Gallery of WA are just a few of the Perth based one. Her works are also part of Government and public collections across Australia and abroad.
‘‘From my home to yours; from my hands to yours. Please enjoy and Rediscover Ceramics.”
Construction
Contemporary ceramics encompass a large range of making and finishing techniques. Form, surface finish, and clay type, are all carefully considered. Concept and design are a priority but are often challenged by the limitations of the clay itself.
Since starting to work with clay in 2006, making forms on the potter’s wheel has become my passion. There is something so soothing and meditative about it.
My core mission is to make pieces that I love to share with others. Making with my hands each piece is unique, and the forms evolve and change constantly. There is no factory, no production line, just a constant movement in the work as I grow and learn it all gets translated through my hands into the finished pieces.
Southern Ice Porcelain
I have worked with many different types of clay, and although it can be a little more challenging to use, Southern Ice Porcelain is by far my favourite. It is well known for its qualities of translucency and crystalline whiteness, and ever since I began using it, I have been constantly testing the boundaries and capabilities of the clay, and exploring its amazing qualities.
Unlike stoneware clays, porcelain is not easily manipulated and can warp quite easily. After throwing the form, the subsequent carving, adding to and altering, must be timed precisely throughout the making, drying and firing process. They are then fired to 1280-1300 degrees Celsius.
