Friend of nthWORD Shazi Gorji of Clayfections Studio has been selected as a finalist to represent Pakistan for the 27th Gold Coast International Ceramic Art Award. Her work - Wallflower, 2009 (left) will be on display at The Arts Centre Gold Coast, Australia from August 21st through October 21st. Best of luck to Shazi and congratulations!

About Shazi: Sleeping under the night sky, digging for clay in the Hingol River and camping in the rural regions of Pakistan, I become part of the landscape and the landscape a part of me. My Ceramic Artworks, too, lend themselves to such sensibilities. 3D Travelogues of sorts,these works document the journey, the people encountered, observations, interactions and an array of characterestics- in clay. A graduate of Bennington College, I have been influenced by its self-directed educational philosphy coupled by an inter-disciplinary curriculum. Contemporary Ceramic practices fused with the Handmade Movement make for a commitment to clay and art making. Colourful plastic vessels may be in demand but only those who have experienced- or are curious enough to experience, the joys of a uniquely crafted bowl, mug or platter will always support artists who are engaged in a organic process.