[Un]common Ground 

[Un]common Ground 


19 JUNE – 19 JULY 2026

Opening Preview: 6pm Thursday 18 June


Join us for the exhibition preview and official opening, with remarks by Minister Yamaguchi of the Embassy of Japan, Canberra.

Paul Davis and Jacqueline Clayton have rarely exhibited together; in fact, their work has not previously appeared side by side outside a group exhibition. While they share similar histories of ceramic training in Japan and Australia, along with a mutual interest in the origins, science, and development of ceramic materials, their respective practices are shaped by significantly different personal and conceptual drives—an apt point of departure for the idea of ‘[Un]common Ground’.

Working from independent studios within a shared building, Jacqueline and Paul sustain an ongoing dialogue of exchange, critique, and reflection. Although their approaches to making remain distinct, this close proximity has fostered a dynamic conversation that sharpens the particularity of each practice. Out of this productive difference has emerged a collaborative offshoot, Togei Studio, founded on a shared commitment to material inquiry and the complementary strengths each artist brings to commissioned work. Notable among these commissions is a particular focus on the design and production of bespoke ceramic objects for fine dining.

In 2023, Paul and Jacqueline relocated to regional Victoria, near the historic gold-mining town of Rutherglen, now also known for its established wine and grain production. There, they are transforming a former agricultural research station into a ceramic studio facility. The distinctive character of the region’s winemakers and food producers speaks to the conditions from which their work emerges—soil, topography, climate, and farming practices. In much the same way, Jacqueline and Paul are drawing on the specificity of this locale, developing ceramic objects from mindfully selected local materials: Rutherglen red clay from its quartz-rich terrain, fine white clay from Oaklands, vine ash from nearby wineries and rice ash from the Riverina.

ARTIST BIOS

Paul Davis

Paul formerly lectured in Ceramics at Monash University, Melbourne and was Director of Sturt Pottery for ten years from 2001. Paul’s varied 50-year history of ceramic practice spans extended periods in both the US and Japan. In 1997 he was awarded a Japan Foundation Fellowship to study with 12th generation Hagi potter Saka Korazaemon, where he deepened his understanding of Japanese forming techniques, glazes and approaches to firing. His personal practice includes large scale sculptural work as well as a focus on vessels associated with the Japanese tea ceremony, reflecting the influence of time spent in Japan. For many years he was Senior Advisor to the Melbourne chapter of Urasenke Tea School. Paul has a deep ongoing interest in identifying and utilising locally sourced clay and glaze materials. He is an elected member of the International Academy of Ceramics and exhibits regularly both in Australia and overseas.

Jacqueline Clayton 

Jacqueline studied Ceramics at National Art School, Sydney, Saga University and Kyoto University of Art, Japan. Accordingly, her individual practice reflects a synthesis of Eastern and Western aesthetics, materials, processes and technical knowledge. It encompasses sculptural installation and more recently, the design and production of bespoke ceramic objects and tableware. Projects include ceramics for restaurants Quay, Bennelong, Yiaga & Noma Australia. Jacqueline founded the Ceramic Studio at University Western Sydney; was Head of Ceramics and Head, School of Design Studies at UNSW, Sydney; International Co-ordinator for First European Woodfire Conference, Germany and Programme Co-ordinator for the Australian Ceramic Triennale, Sydney. Jacqueline exhibits regularly in Australia and overseas and has contributed to a range of local and international publications including Ceramics Art and Perception, Journal of Australian Ceramics and craft + design enquiry. 

Image: Paul Davis, Oribe style platter. Photo by Paul Blake

Canberra Potters and Watson Arts Centre acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land where we meet and work, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people and other First Nations people who are connected with this land. We celebrate and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of the ACT and region. This is Aboriginal land. Always was always will be.