Artist Talk

Sunday 3 September, 2pm — 3pm

Ilona Topolcsanyi will reflect on her 15 years of studio pottery at the Abbotsford Convent and how Place has influenced her practice. This is a rare opportunity to take an intimate journey with the artist into her distinctive world of making, with insights into how she has carved out thoroughly individual and unpredictable paths to success.

Free but bookings required.

About

Ilona Topolcsanyi is a Founder of Cone 11 Ceramics and the teaching studio Melbourne Clay at Abbotsford Convent. She is a specialised maker of bespoke tableware and has worked for the past decade with some of the country’s best chefs and restaurants including Dan Hunter from Brae Birregurra VIC, Joel Bickford Aria Sydney NSW, Josh Lopez from The Wolf East Brisbane QLD and Seth James Wills Domain Margaret River WA. Local projects include Lune Croisants, Industry Beans, Bar Liberty, Cam’s Kiosk, Bar Byrdie and Clover Wine.

Ilona’s latest venture is The Good Plate, a contemporary reinterpretation of classic tableware where a percentage of profits are donated to not-for-profit organisations helping people through hospitality training. The current partnership is with Scarf Community.

Ilona now has now focused her attention to creating art works using the waste by her studio in the tableware production.

Accessibility

The Store is wheelchair accessible, however there will also be site-specific works on the Store Forecourt, Infirmary Lawn and outside Julie’s restaurant. Some parts of the Convent grounds are uneven.

Gender diversity is welcome at the Convent, and patrons are welcome to use any restroom that matches their gender identity or expression. There are both gender-neutral and gendered toilets available within the Convent precinct. View the Public Toilet Map to find a bathroom of your preference.

GATHER is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria