Historical information

John DERMER (1949- )
Born Melbourne, Victoria

John Dermer studied Ceramics at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and Hawthorne State College (Diploma of Education), before working in potteries in England. Upon his return to Australia he established "Kirby's Flat Pottery" studio at Yackandandah, Victoria in 1974. John is proudly a product of the Leach/Hamada movement in ceramics. He sees this as a tradition that for him represents the essence of working with clay. The lines are pure and balanced while the forms are honest, proud and passionate. Yars of research and experience in salt glazing were rewarded in 2006 when John Dermerwon the highly prestigious Saltzbrand Keramik International Award in Koblenz, Germany.

Another avenue of ceramics for which John is renowned is in the field of terra sigillata. This passion had its foundation back in 1987 when he received a major commission from Romaldo Giurgola and Pamille Berg for the new Parliament House in Canberra. During the completion of these massive pieces for the Prime Minister’s suite and Cabinet entry he had to invent and develop methods for decorating and firing the pots successfully. The completed pieces are still regarded by John as some of his finest works.

John Dermer was a visiting lecturer to the Gippsland Centre of Art and Design (GCAD).

This work is part of the Jan Feder Memorial Ceramics Collection. Jan Feder was an alumna of the Gippsland Campus who studied ceramics on the campus. She passed away in the mid 1980s. Her student peers raised funds to buy ceramic works in her memory. They bought works from visiting lecturers who became leading ceramic artists around the world, as well as from many of the staff who taught there.

Physical description

Salt glazed stoneware pot

This work is part of the Jan Feder Memorial Ceramics Collection. Jan Feder was an alumna of the Gippsland Campus who studied ceramics on the campus. She passed away in the mid 1980s. Her student peers raised funds to buy ceramic works in her memory. They bought works from visiting lecturers who became leading ceramic artists around the world, as well as from many of the staff who taught there.

Inscriptions & markings

Signed on base 'John Dermer'