Award: Ceramic Student Club
Error 1240
Glitch art can be traced back to the late 1960’s when artists such as Nam June Paik and Steina Vulska started experimenting with video signal disruptions and distortions.
As a ceramic artist I am inspired by the aesthetics created by the glitches in computer screens. When an image or a video file gets corrupted the colours and shapes distort. This visual language is associated with buttons, pixelated colour and geometric shapes. I use this imagery across my ceramic form.
Error 1240, is a play on words. Often when an electronic device encounters something it is unsure of it shows an error message followed by a number which specifies what type of problem it is. 1240 in this case is the temperature to which these pieces were fired, showing where the glitch effect has formed.
In Error 1240 I use a pottery throwing technique to make multiple objects. I shape traditional ceramic forms from black clay and purposefully distort the form and surface using coloured clay slips and glazes. The resulting works are like the corrupted digital images made from light and electricity yet they are handmade sculptural works using natural materials and the heat of the kiln.
The glitch effect appeals to me because the chaos created in the image as a result of corruption is similar to how I perceive the current political climate. Corruption, chaos and lack of transparency from powerful people often result in chaos, division, discourse and distrust in society.
Tamsyn Shaw is a ceramic artist born and raised in Melbourne, and has been interested in clay since early childhood.
Shaw’s work reflects her thoughts and feelings about the world around her. She makes functional and sculptural work using a collection of vessels to reflect her opinions on the world.
Shaw is the RMIT Ceramic Club President, and the lead organiser of club events such as the Fundraising market and a Welcome Lunch for new students.
She has participated in exhibitions, Unearthed Realities (2023), Making History Present (2024), A4 Art (2025). Shaw also makes and sells functional work at local markets and festivals.