We hero the natural Australian Merino Wool fibre and are inspired by creatives who use raw materials in highly skilled ways. We recently visited New Zealand artist Kohl Tyler - whose ceramics practice caught our attention for its celebration of clay in meticulous hand-built vessels.
Meeting at Kohl's studio in Melbourne, we spoke about her creative process and style -
-
Tell us about yourself.
I'm a visual artist based in Melbourne, where I've lived & worked since 2018. My practice is rooted in an ongoing interest in impermanence - how natural systems shift, evolve, and transform over time. Ceramics is at the core of my practice: I create sculptural works that reference natural forms like corals, fungi, plant structures, and imagined ecologies.
-
Describe your process.
My studio rhythm depends on the stage I'm in. When preparing for an exhibition, I spend long days slab-building larger forms, working on pieces simultaneously. Other times I'm glazing, sketching, prepping kiln shelves for firing, writing, or hand-carving clay surfaces. I work slowly, allowing each piece to develop through process and time.
"I love layering wool and feel comfortable in breathable, tactile fabrics that support my studio work and daily life. I opt for classic, high quality pieces that are built to last."
-
What sort of materials do you wear?
Natural fibres like wool, cotton, silk and linen - anything that feels lived-in and tactile.
-
What's something you're looking forward to?
I'm currently working towards a solo exhibition at MARS Gallery this October, where I'll be presenting a new suite of ceramic sculptures. This body of work continues my exploration of speculative natural systems. There are also a few other projects in development that I'm looking forward to sharing soon.
