Kim Schoenberger has found in the medium of clay a natural affinity within the exploration of form and texture, grounded in ancient civilizations, holding a strong and continuing connection with the earth.

Within her current work, particularly the awarded 'Unearthed Series' she continues to explore ancient shapes, vessels and functional forms, and detailed carved decoration, heavily influenced from the Minoan period (3000 - 1400 BC).

Yet Kim brings to this work her own individual and contemporary experience - each of the pieces sits comfortably within our own modern culture.

Ancient symbols resonate in the work her repeated use of spirals - takes us on a journey to the centre of our souls - making deep connections with all people at an intimate and universal level.

Symbols and rituals re-appear and re-connect us all together. Surfaces of hand carved, scored, rubbed and gilded, patinated decoration upon perfect expressions of form.

Her previous life experiences naturally appear within the subtle layers of her work.

Kim's studies were peppered with awards and accolade as well as academic achievement - continuing on in her current & ongoing practice.

Upon completing the Advanced Diploma in Art at CSIT - Kim's work was selected for inclusion in the National Graduate Exhibition along with 11 others completing TAFE and University studies nationally, and shown at Fusions Gallery Brisbane in 2003.

In 2006 an image of Kim's work was included in the prestigious US book '500 Pitchers' published by Larks Books.

The image was selected from over 4,000 international submissions. Kim has also been included twice in select exhibitions at Noosa Regional Gallery 2004 and 2008.

She is frequently recognised and awarded for the depth and skill of her contemporary practice and now finds new expression in her mixed media works.

Recently exhibited works, explore new forms made with old materials in the 'Discarded Series' finding energies that resonate within an object expressed. Once utilised then discarded functional (often mechanical) objects are selected, assembled & fused into totemic sculptural 3D forms.

Works in the 'Expressions of Love' series use humble collected recycled materials that access and draw upon precious memories, using skills and techniques of craft handed down from her parents and grandparents generations, in a contemporary art form.

Kim undertakes private individual commissions whilst her studio work finds homes amongst discerning ceramic collectors.

Achievements

2010 MEDIEVAL MASTERPIECE Master Artisan 1st Prize, and 2nd Prize, Bicas, Qld

2009 SUNSHINE COAST ANNUAL SHOW 1st Prize & Highly Commended

2008 MEDIEVAL MASTERPIECE 1st Prize, Old Fire Station Gallery, Qld

2006 '500 PITCHERS' LARKS BOOKS p347 (4,000 entries, 500 selected, 6 Australian)

2006 SUNSHINE COAST ANNUAL SHOW 2nd Prize

2003 GRADUATE AWARD EXHIBITION (National - Selected) Fusions Gallery, Brisbane

2002 DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD - CSIT, Qld

2000 CERTIFICATE of ACHIEVEMENT - Most Outstanding Accomplishments CSIT, Qld

Exhibitions

2010 MATTHEW FLINDERS Bicas, Bribie Is., Qld

2010 MEDIEVAL MASTERPIECE Bicas, Bribie Is., Qld

2010 'EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE' - Solo, Main Street Gallery, Montville, Qld

2010 ESSENCE OF TIME Graydon Gallery, New Farm, Qld

2009 UNEARTHED & DISCARDED - Solo, Artworks Gallery, Maleny, Qld

2009 MAPPING THE RANGE Artworks Gallery, Maleny, Qld

2009 FORGOTTEN PEOPLE - Solo, Enigma Gallery, Sunshine Coast, Qld

2009 VESSEL Competition Maleny Artworks Gallery, Qld

2009 SUNSHINE COAST ANNUAL SHOW Qld

2008 BACK TO BASICS Books 09, 'select' Noosa Regional Gallery , Qld

2008 MEDIEVAL MASTERPIECE Old Fire Station Gallery , Qld

2008 IGNITION Alexandra Heads, Qld

2007 BRIBIE POTTERS CLAY CREATION Bribie Island, Qld

2006 IGNITION Alexandra Heads, Qld

2006 MERGE Cooroy Butter Factory, Qld

2006 COLLISION Tewantin Arts Centre, Qld

2006 MONTVILLE ART FESTIVAL Wild Hearts Gallery, Buderim, Qld

2005 SUMMER DREAMING Graydon Gallery, New Farm, Qld

2005 SYNCHRONICITY Wild Hearts Gallery, Buderim, Qld

2004 BOOKS.04 Noosa Regional Gallery, Qld

2004 TIMELESS JEWELS Solo, Wild Hearts Gallery, Buderim, Qld

2004 ESSENCE Wild Hearts Gallery, Buderim, Qld

Collections

Represented in private collections in Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, USA and Japan.

'Unearthed' Ceramics series

"Our past is held in the present... a clay pot resting in our hand. Touch the mystery."

"History is in a greater part, mystery. Archaeology delves into the mysteries of the past, piecing together the puzzles from the ages before recorded time. What is unearthed often demonstrates how little we have changed, pieces of the past resembling pieces of the present. The substance that has sustained us from then to now can be held in the ancient shard of clay that was the water vessel. Our past is held in the present... a clay pot resting in the hand. Touch the mystery."

ASKOS - below - is an ancient Greek pottery vessel used to pour liquids - usually oils in the use of refilling lamps.

'Unearthed' is an on-going series of award-winning works, regularly stocked at the gallery.

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'Expressions of Love' mixed media / ceramics series

'The interaction between our children and grandchildren, the passing on of the skills of our foremothers, the sharing of memories and dreams, are all as precious as life itself.'

'Are the days gone when grandmothers passed on their skills, to knit, crochet or sew? Once these skills were part of daily life and in some cases a necessity, when 'recycle' meant the re-use of items in new ways for comfort in the home.'

Many of these works are created using recycled tea bags - and are combined with loving craft skills learnt from her elders.

'Tea bags, like life, are delicate yet strong, fragile yet resilient, stained with the spreading of warm comfort.'

The 'Expressions of Love' works were created in memory of the Artist's mother, who she lost to cancer in 2005. Works first shown at Main St Gallery in solo exhibition - May 2010.