the honoured guest

BACKGROUND
The vessel has been used throughout history as an object to contain, not only in domestic uses but also objects of for ritualistic purposes. In the past 10 years the vessel has had a renewed role and interpretation within the concept of ritual, changing and elevating its status purely through placement. The Honoured Guest is inspired by the seven vessels placed on a Buddhist shrine when a guest is coming. The seven vessels represent the things that guests require on arrival such as water for washing or drinking, food, and flowers etc.

CONTRIBUTION
The Honoured Guest contributes to the contemporary ceramic field at an international level. The artwork references the vessel and its use as a ritualistic item in our daily lives. It provides a contemporary, Western interpretation of the history and practice surrounding vessels within Buddhism.

SIGNIFICANCE
The value of this work is attested to by the following indicators: selection of the ceramic artwork for inclusion and a finalist in an international exhibition; The 2016 Taiwan Ceramics Biennale International Art Award, New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum Taiwan. The New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum in Taiwan holds a Ceramics Biennale. Part of the program is an International Art Award. The ceramic artworks were selected from 54 countries by an international jury made up of leading ceramic artists and academics who also awarded the prizes. The artwork was awarded an Honourable Mention.
An earlier version of this piece was acquired by Parliament House, Canberra.