Dawn Thirlaway

Dawn Thirlaway first studied Ceramics at TAFE in Sydney and then at Southern Cross University, Lismore. Dawn has exhibited at the Gold Coast Ceramics Awards, Planet, Lismore Regional Art Gallery and participated in many group exhibitions both regionally and interstate.

Dawn won the graduating student award at Fusion's Gallery in 2003 and was selected to exhibit at 'Verge" 11th National Ceramics Conference in Brisbane 2006. In 2009 she received third place in the Border Art Prize.

Dawn’s passion is “Neriage” - a unique Japanese process of laminating coloured clays and creating patterns which requires patience and attention to detail. She uses the local landscape as inspiration for her small delicate bowls in translucent porcelain. Dawn also creates wheel-thrown pieces as well as home-wares in slip-cast porcelain.

Recently completed Visual Arts Honours at SCU, Dawn worked on a project that conveyed her experiences and recovery from cancer. She maintains her art practice from Union St Design Studio in South Lismore. Dawn draws upon her personal experience of cancer to facilitate "Healing with Clay" workshops for a variety of groups in the Lismore area, as well as teaching ceramics to people with disabilities.