Eye Spy – Fisheyes

Whilst browsing through the remarkable reference book Swainston’s Fishes of Australia, the artist became captivated by the extraordinary diversity, colour, and intricate structures found within the eyes of Australian fish species. What began as a simple moment of curiosity grew into a sustained creative investigation, exploring how these extraordinary visual organs might be translated into the language of ceramics. Fish eyes—often overlooked despite their evolutionary sophistication—offered a perfect subject through which to examine the intersection of scientific observation and artistic imagination.

The resulting installation comprises 43 unique ceramic fish‑eye plates, each one individually shaped, glazed, and fired to celebrate the distinct textures, colours, and patterns observed in marine life. Suspended delicately from lengths of fishing tackle and arranged across an expanse of reclaimed fishing net, the work transforms everyday maritime materials into a sculptural environment that evokes both the beauty and the fragility of ocean ecosystems. The use of salvaged netting also subtly acknowledges the impact of human activities on marine habitats while re‑contextualising these materials through an aesthetic lens.

On the reverse of each ceramic plate, the artist has inscribed the scientific name of the fish family. Viewers are invited to turn the plates, engaging physically with the work to reveal the corresponding common and scientific names. This interactive element encourages curiosity and deepens the viewer’s connection to the biological diversity represented.

With plate sizes varying from 8.5 cm, 13 cm, and 16 cm, the collection offers an intimate yet expansive window into the marine world—one that bridges human creativity with the natural order of species, environments, and ecological interdependence.

Gabrielle Cooney is a ceramicist known for hand‑built, textural, raw clay works. She creates quirky character bowls, sculptural egg‑ and pod‑like forms, and rough‑hewn vessels that celebrate imperfection and the tactile qualities of clay. She works under the label Flintstone Designs, a name that reflects her earthy, rugged aesthetic.