Historical information

Alma Shanahan (1924-2015) was a Victorian potter who came to live at Clifton Pugh's Dunmoochin art colony at Cottlesbridge, on Melbourne's outskirts in 1953. Unable to join the co-operative proper, as she was a potter, not a painter, she built her house at the top of the hill, 135 Barreenong Road, Cottles Bridge. The c.1953 house is historically, aesthetically and architecturally significant because it is a good example of the design and ethos of mud brick dwellings synonymous with Eltham and features the extensive use of recycled materials, which was characteristic of the 'Eltham style' of architecture. Like the others in the artist community, Alma Shanahan built her own residence in stages out of local materials. Shanahan was later joined by neighbours and Dunmoochin potters Peter and Helen Laycock. She trained for a term with Peter Laycock but was otherwise self-taught, basing her practice on the teachings of Bernard Leach. After Pugh's death in 1991 she became the longest standing Dunmoochin resident. Her works are incised with her full name.

Significance

Alma Shanahan was a part of the Dunmoochin Artist's community whose (other) members (Kevin Nolan, John Howley, John Olsen, Mirka Mora, Peter Laycock, Helen Laycock, Peter Wiseman and Chris Wiseman) made an important contribution to Victoria's cultural history. From the mid 1950s Pugh persuaded a number of other painters, as well as potters and other artists, to come and live at Dunmoochin and they formed one of Victoria's most important artist communities. She started potting around 1961 (aged 37). "Horse Power" was made using Chullora clay, which indicates it was made during her first seven years of production. Horse Power is about man's search for "energy" and how the "energy" can turn around.

Physical description

Made from Chullora (Sydney) clay. Glazed stoneware plates (x2) with brush decorations resting on hand made ceramic stands. Plate one: 2006.64.1VA (Horse Power + stand) shows a figure on horse back with blue foliage in background. Plate two: 2006.64.2VA (Flip Side + stand) shows a horse with figure under it's hooves.

Inscriptions & markings

Hand painted signature in brown/black on back of both plates; "Alma Shanahan"