The Pop-Up Project is thrilled to announce that ceramicist Tessa Hoser will be undertaking an artist residency throughout April and May at our sponsor’s stunning location – the Centennial Vineyards Cellar Door. Nestled in the heart of the Southern Highlands, Centennial Vineyards offers a breathtaking backdrop for Tessa’s latest exhibition, Banksia Bullets, a collection that is as thought-provoking as it is beautiful.
Tessa Hoser is a celebrated Australian potter known for her wheel-thrown and handbuilt ceramic forms, exploring the dynamic contrast between texture, colour and the harmony of perfect and imperfect shapes. Drawing inspiration from the misty farmland and rich, earthen landscapes of Gundungurra country near Robertson, NSW, her work embodies the raw and rugged beauty of the natural world. Tessa’s creations have found homes in private collections across Australia, the UK, and the US, and she has exhibited in renowned spaces in Canberra, Sydney and Yass. Most recently, she was selected to exhibit at the prestigious 2024 Pottery Expo in Warrandyte and was awarded the Craft ACT 2021 Emerging Artist Award.
Her upcoming residency at Centennial Vineyards Cellar Door offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in Tessa’s artistry while enjoying the serene surroundings of one of the region’s finest wineries. The Cellar Door is open daily from 10 AM – 5 PM, with the last wine tastings commencing at 4 PM. Guests are invited to experience the synergy between Tessa’s ceramics and the vineyard’s picturesque rolling hills, creating an afternoon of artistic and sensory indulgence.
Banksia Bullets: Artist Statement
“These pieces evolved from walks in all seasons on Gundungurra and Tharawal county near Belmore Falls, NSW. Observing the mixture of colours, textures and shapes of indigenous plants and the rawness of the land, I couldn’t help but see the contrast with the bright greens and autumnal russets of colonial plantings.
These works display the greens, browns, reds and blacks of banksias and their environment. Banksias steadfastly survive the ravages of weather, fire and human activity; the red and black representing how settlers sought to overwhelm and desecrate indigenous plants, animals and peoples.
The shapes contrast symmetrical, wheel-thrown with pinched and coiled handbuilt aspects of each piece. Surface texturing and stipples pay respect to the ancient techniques of indigenous artists. Somehow my eye saw birds, kangaroos and wallabies in those dots: I have always loved dots.
As two installations, these banksia bullets float together above us, reminding me of that they are true survivors.” – Tessa
Artist Credit: Tessa Hoser
A Sensory Experience Not to Be Missed
Visitors to Centennial Vineyards Cellar Door will not only have the opportunity to admire Tessa’s breathtaking work but also to witness her creative process firsthand. With a glass of award-winning wine in hand, guests can explore the depth and meaning behind each ceramic form, deepening their appreciation for the artistry and storytelling embedded in her pieces.
Whether you are a long-time art enthusiast, a ceramics collector, or simply someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship and an afternoon among the vines, this residency is an experience not to be missed. Tessa’s work offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of nature, history, and art—one that resonates deeply with the landscape of the Southern Highlands.
Join us at Centennial Vineyards throughout April and May to witness Banksia Bullets in person. Stay a while, sip on a beautifully crafted wine, and allow yourself to be captivated by the seamless connection between art and nature.
For more information, follow Tessa Hoser on Instagram @tessahoserceramics or contact her directly at 0400 537 537 / tessa.hoser@gmail.com.
