Alistair WHyte

– A Life in Clay

Retrospective Exhibiton

Artist: Alistair Whyte

Family connections in Hong Kong and China inspired Alistair’s interest in East Asian Art from an early age. After studying ceramics in Bendigo, he entered postgraduate studies at the Kyoto University of Fine Art where he extensively studied porcelain technique. Being invited to enter the studio of Master Ceramicist, Hirokuni Katsuno proved to be both enlightening and life changing for him. By studying this method of Japanese Ceramics, Alistair learnt the importance of tool making, throwing fine porcelain clay, painting, kiln building, and glazing techniques with incredible precision.

While studying he met and married his wife and returned to Australia in the 1980s, settling in the Yarra Valley. Here, despite many challenges, Alistair honed his skills in porcelain, initially using a gas fired kiln and later, a wood firing kiln he built himself, learning and teaching the refinements of this process.

His extensive work ranged from raku and earthenware to stoneware, specialising in porcelain. He taught many students, both at his home studio and in schools around Australia. In his final years Alistair poured his efforts into his book; “Turning Inside Out”, a memoir on his life as a potter and a collection of his Japanese porcelain, glazing and firing techniques. The first prints of the book landed in Australia the day he passed away and is now published and available through his website, YAVA Gallery and other stockists.

About TarraWarra Estate

TarraWarra estate is known as a producer of exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and also make several other single block varietals and estate blends. TarraWarra Estate wines are made to express the unique soils, aspect and altitiude of the TarraWarra site. Comprising of many individual blocks and planted with selected clones, each contributing their own unique characteristics to the wines.

The first 10 acres of vines were planted at TarraWarra in 1983, with the Besen family's vision to produce wines of superb quality and integrity and to share them in a location of great beauty and hospitality. The vineyard sits on 400 hectares of Yarra Valley farmland and some forty years on, they are defined by this heritage and a deep sense of place. All of TarraWarra's wines are meticulously grown, hand-picked and made on the estate.

Exhibition dates:

18 July - 18 August 2024

Launch 18 July - 6pm at YAVA

Gallery Hours:

Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm.