Artist Biography
Born in Haifa, Israel, Amy Cohen began her higher education studies in ceramic industrial design at Bezalel, Israel’s preeminent academic institution for art, design and architecture. In 2001 Cohen transferred her studies to Latrobe University, Bendigo,Victoria, to major in ceramics fine arts. Since completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hons) in 2003, she has been consistently exhibiting in Australia. She was a finalist at Deakin University’s Small Sculpture Awards in 2003, and has works in the permanent collections of both the Bendigo and Warrnambool Art Galleries.
Cohen sees shell forms as a visual language of growth. In her work, her life-long fascination with these forms has led her to explore their architectural purpose as habitat and protection, experimenting for over two decades with material, form and texture in both clay and fibre. Her finished sculptures convey an echo of the life forms that build them, haunting remains of an alien world we try to understand and are a persistent reminder of the sublimity of the everyday.
Resume
Education
2002: La Trobe University Bendigo - Ceramics Major, School of Visual Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours).
2001: La Trobe University Bendigo - Ceramics Major, School of Visual Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts. 1998-2000: Bezalel Academy of Art & Design, Jerusalem, Israel. Department of Ceramic Design - completed three out of four years of Bachelor of Design.
Solo Exhibitions:
2023: ‘Out of Reach’ Solo Exhibition, Town Hall Gallery, Hawthorn. 2006: ‘L’Chaim,’ To Life - Bird Gallery, Kew, Melbourne.
2003: ‘Redefined,’ solo exhibition - George Paton Gallery, Melbourne.
Group Exhibitions:
2024: In The Distant Memory, Convent Gallery, Abbotsford, Melbourne.
2023: Contemporary Small Sculpture Exhibition, Deakin University, Melbourne. 2022: ‘Winnow & Distil’, Tacit Art Gallery, Melbourne.
2021: ‘Pivot Point’ Basketmakers of Victoria, Yarra Sculpture Gallery, Melbourne. 2012: ‘Engaging Form’ - Skepsi @ Montsalvat, Melbourne.
2012: Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, Melbourne.
2011: ‘Arresting’ - Skepsi Gallery, Melbourne.
2011: Manningham Victorian Ceramic Art Award - Manningham Gallery, Melbourne. 2009: Ceramic Victoria 40th Anniversary, Manningham Gallery, Melbourne.
2009: Stirring’ - Skepsi on Swanston, Melbourne.
2009: Pottery @ Federation Square - Atrium, Melbourne.
2008: ‘Clay in Motion’ - Bird Gallery, Kew, Melbourne.
2007: ‘Common Ground’ - Shepparton Art Gallery.
2005: ‘Statements in Sculpture’ - Skepsi on Swanston, Melbourne.
2002: ‘Fertile Ground’ - Bendigo Art Gallery.
2002: Emerging Artists Exhibition - Mira Gallery, Melbourne.
Awards
2012: High Commendation - Association of Sculptors of Victoria
2002: C&J Award and Commission
Studio Practice
2024: Lygon Street Pottery, Melbourne
2008-2012: Ingrid & Klaus Dusselberg Studio, Camberwell, Melbourne
Collections
2011: Warrnambool Art Gallery 2002: Bendigo Art Gallery.
Publications
2002: Pottery in Australia - Borders
2012: Engaging Form, Exemplary Australian Ceramics, Skepsi.