5 Questions with Vipoo Srivilasa
Vipoo Srivilasa is a Thai-born Australian artist, recognised as a leader in the field of ceramics. Over the past two decades, Vipoo has made works that engage with complex questions of queerness, migration and spiritual meaning, using an aesthetic and medium that is accessible, positive and beautiful. His works often explore the dark parts of experience including isolation, loneliness, nostalgia, as well as joy, beauty, and hope in the midst of these struggles.
Vipoo has exhibited extensively around the world, including Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Saatchi Gallery, London; Ayala Museum, Philippines; Yingge Ceramics Museum, Taiwan; Nanjing Arts Institute, China and the National Gallery of Thailand.
Vipoo lives and works in Naarm/Melbourne where his studio, ClayLAB, is situated within the Kulin Nation/Cheltenham.
No.1
Tell us a little bit about Marvellous Mythical Mates. How was the idea for the exhibition conceived?
When Nicola Bryant, the curator of Counihan Gallery, approached me for a show, she already had in mind that she wanted me to create an exhibition for children. I loved the idea of making an art exhibition that young audiences could enjoy and have a fun experience with while engaging with my work and participating in the show.
Nicola and I discussed how the show would take shape, and the idea of pets came to mind. This inspiration mainly came from my own experience of having two cats, and seeing how people of all ages relate to pets. We then brainstormed ways to make the exhibition both fun and relevant to my work. That’s when the concept of ‘Mythical Mates’ was born. The exhibition invites young audiences to create their own pets or imaginary friends, drawing inspiration from the Merri-bek area. I hope that families will come to see the show and use it as an opportunity to share stories about their lives in Merri-bek, using different elements of the exhibition as starting points. Through this experience, children will learn more about the history of the place as well as the stories of their own families.
No.2
Over the past two decades, your ceramic practice is made up of work that engages with complex questions of queerness, migration and spiritual meaning. How do you think Marvellous Mythical Mates ties in with that?
Marvellous Mythical Mates, while designed to engage young audiences, aligns closely with the core themes of my ceramic practice—migration and spiritual meaning. By inviting children to create their own mythical pets inspired by the Merri-bek area, the project fosters a sense of belonging and identity. This creative exploration allows children to delve into their own personal and cultural narratives.
Just as my work often reflects on the journey of migration and the blending of different cultures, Marvellous Mythical Mates encourages children to explore their surroundings and understand their home in a new light. It’s about creating a space where they can feel free to express themselves and their unique stories, which is at the heart of my artistic practice. This exhibition not only brings joy and creativity to the forefront but also subtly introduces young minds to the deeper concepts of self-discovery and the significance of their heritage and community.
No.3
What does your creative process look like? As a first-generation migrant to Australia, I also wonder if the process differs from when your practice was based in Thailand.
My creative process remains quite similar whether I’m working in Thailand or Australia. I usually start my day with a 30-minute morning meditation followed by 15-20 minutes of stretching. This routine helps me begin my creative day with focus and clarity. My studio is located about a 10- minute drive from home, making it convenient for me to get into the right mindset for work.
I often begin by sketching out what I want to create, although the final piece often differs from the initial sketch. The sketch serves as a starting point, but I let the clay guide me through the process.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of my current creative process:
1. Inspiration and Conceptualization:
Drawing inspiration from various sources, including personal experiences, cultural heritage, and surroundings.
Conceptualising ideas that resonate with my core themes, such as queerness, migration, and spirituality.
2. Research and Development:
Conducting thorough research to gather information and refine my concepts.
Experimenting with different techniques and materials to bring my vision to life.
3. Design and Planning:
Sketching initial designs and planning the steps needed to create the piece.
Considering both aesthetic aspects of the work.
4. Creation:
Working with clay, allowing it to guide the creative process.
Shaping, moulding, and assembling the piece based on my sketches and plans.
5. Firing and Finishing:
Firing the piece in the kiln to achieve the desired texture and durability.
Adding finishing touches, such as glazing or painting, to complete the work.
6. Reflection and Iteration:
Reflecting on the finished piece and the creative journey.
Iterating on the process, learning from each project to improve future works.
My practice has been enriched by my experiences as a first-generation migrant to Australia, yet the core elements of my creative process have remained consistent, allowing me to express my identity and stories through my art.
No.4
What lessons has being a ceramicist taught you that you’ve been able to carry into other areas of your life?
Being a ceramicist has imparted several valuable lessons that I have carried into other areas of my life:
Patience and Persistence: Working with clay requires a great deal of patience, from shaping and molding to waiting for pieces to dry and fire. This patience has taught me to approach challenges in life with a calm and steady mindset, understanding that good things take time and effort.
Embracing Imperfection: In ceramics, not every piece turns out as planned. This has helped me appreciate the beauty in imperfection and to accept mistakes as part of the learning process. It’s a lesson in resilience and adaptability, recognizing that flaws can lead to unexpected and beautiful results.
Attention to Detail: Creating ceramics demands a keen eye for detail, from the initial design to the final glaze. This meticulousness has translated into other aspects of my life, encouraging me to be thorough and considerate in my work and personal endeavours.
Mindfulness and Presence: The tactile nature of working with clay requires being fully present in the moment. This practice of mindfulness has helped me stay grounded and focused, enhancing my overall well-being and productivity in daily life.
Creative Problem-Solving: Ceramics often presents unforeseen challenges, such as cracks or glaze issues. Finding creative solutions to these problems has strengthened my problem-solving skills, enabling me to think outside the box and approach obstacles with a creative mindset.
Appreciation for the Process: Ceramics is as much about the process as it is about the final product. This appreciation for the journey has taught me to value each step I take, understanding that growth and progress are ongoing and that the experiences along the way are just as important as the end goal.
These lessons from ceramics have not only enriched my artistic practice but have also positively influenced my approach to life’s various challenges and opportunities.
No.5
What does the space between inspiration and creation look like for you?
The space between inspiration and creation for me is a dynamic and fluid process, filled with moments of reflection, exploration, and experimentation. It begins with a spark of an idea, often triggered by something I’ve seen, read, or experienced. This initial inspiration is then nurtured through research and gathering resources, allowing the idea to evolve and take shape.
In this phase, I immerse myself in various forms of art, literature, and nature, letting different elements blend and influence my thoughts. Sketching and jotting down notes help me visualise and refine the concept. It’s a period of trial and error, where I play with different techniques and materials to see what works best.
This journey from inspiration to creation is both exciting and challenging, as it requires patience and perseverance. It’s a delicate balance between maintaining the original vision and being open to new possibilities that emerge along the way. Ultimately, it’s a deeply personal and rewarding experience that transforms a mere idea into a tangible work of art.
(Credit: Jessica Tremp)
Find out more
Created for kids, Marvellous Mythical Mates explores the theme of belonging. If you were to create a fanciful creature to symbolise your sense of belonging, what would it look like?
In Marvellous Mythical Mates, embark on an adventure of the senses! Inspired by the sounds, smells and textures of Merri-bek, run wild with your imagination and create your very own mythical dream pet. Perhaps your fabulous creation will ding like the Number 19 tram, or will it gurgle like the Merri Creek?
Contribute to a growing menagerie of Merri-bek creatures by proudly displaying your dream pet in the gallery. With every passing day, new creations emerge, transforming the exhibition into a living habitat for fantastical companions.
Marvellous Mythical Mates is a realm where dreams take flight and imagination knows no bounds. Join us on this extraordinary journey of belonging created by Vipoo Srivilasa and let loose your magic within!
The exhibition runs from 3 August to 27 October at Counihan Gallery. More details here.