Suemi Chiba

Arts Tasmania Residency artist, Suemi Chiba, is a practicing ceramic artist based in Hobart. She is a strong believer in the importance of creativity and artistic development. She makes thrown classical pottery creating landscapes through form and surface decoration.

Her aim for this residency was to make a series of moon jars paying homage to Mount Wellington, inspired by the work of 19th century Japanese artist Hokusai, and his creation of 36 views of Mount Fuji.

Whilst here in Poatina Suemi met many in the local community. Of her time in Poatina she remarks:
"A big thank you to the many people who introduced themselves, came for a chat and invited me into their homes and community. The spirit of Poatina is very evident.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to experience such a unique community. I am also very grateful to Arts Tasmania for providing resources to make residencies possible. I will continue to build on the work I started and hope to complete a body of work that captures the spirit of place. Poatina was a great match to start developing these ideas. I am sure a love of place is something very dear to your hearts.
I hope to have the chance to visit again soon. I dug a bit of clay so for now I have a little piece of Poatina to experiment with!"