Steph Woods is an Australian contemporary ceramic artist known for her unconventional ceramic vessels. In her practice, she explores the expectations entwined with ceramics by opposing or exaggerating them through themes of reflection, functionality, and form. Steph’s distinctive pieces are visually material driven as she uses her fingertips as a tool to sculpt and create repetitive patterns.

Outrageous colour and extreme texture are a staple, intended to encapsulate movement within the form and obscure the fragility of the ceramic. Her work is reminiscent of decadent desserts, colourful hues reflective of playful nostalgia, and intricate detail that baffles even the most seasoned art aficionados — all in the realm of ceramic work.

Steph works from her home studio in Brisbane, Australia. Since completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Queensland University of Technology and starting her art practice in 2017, Steph has showcased her work in galleries and showrooms in Australia, France, and Canada. Most recently her work was shown in exhibitions hosted by the National Gallery of Victoria, Craft Victoria, 1000 Vases, Boom Gallery, Michael Reid Gallery and Curatorial & Co.

Academic Qualifications
2017 Bachelor of Fine Arts Visual Arts, Queensland University of Technology

Relevant Experience
2022 Retail & eCommerce Lead, Museum of Brisbane, Australia
2020 Retail & eCommerce Coordinator, Museum of Brisbane, Australia

Selected Solo Exhibitions
2022 Essential Object, Murrurundi Michael Reid Gallery, New South Wales, Australia

Selected Exhibitions
2023 Clay: Collected Ceramics, Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
2022 Darlings, Curatorial & Co. Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
2022 Manifest, Boom Gallery, Melbourne, Australia
2022 Paris 2022, 1000 Vases, Paris, France
2022 Amber Creswell Bell Selects, Michael Reid Galleries, Northern Beaches, Australia
2021 Soft States, Land Street Gallery, Toowong, Australia
2021 Faux Pas, Oigall Projects Art Gallery, Craft Contemporary Satellite, Melbourne, Australia
2021 Future Proof, Oigall Projects Art Gallery, Melbourne Design Week, Melbourne, Australia
2018 Unleashed, Artisan, Bowen Hills, Australia
2017 New Formations, Frank Moran Gallery, Kelvin Grove, Australia
2017 ‘Bed’ a Digital Exhibition, Post Datum, Kelvin Grove, Australia
2016 Stock and Supply, Primary Arcade, Fortitude Valley, Australia

Commissions
2023 Greenhouse Interiors
2022 Jardan, Australia
2022 SSENSE, Montreal, Canada
2022 Jude Store, Byron Bay, Australia
2022 Sayers Home, Noosa, Australia
2021 pépite, Melbourne, Australia
2020 Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane City, Australia
2018 Artisan, Bowen Hill, Australia
2017 Institute of Modern Art, Fortitude Valley, Australia

Featured Publications
2022 Jardan, Meet the Maker, Sasha Wong Hee
2022 Design Files, 10 Emerging Ceramicists To Add To Your Pottery Collection, Christina Karras
2022 Est Living, Grid House by Doherty Design Studio, Tiffany Jade
2022 White Paper By, Q&A with Steph Woods, Marta Martinez
2022 Ming Pao Daily, Spring Feature, Dawn D.
2022 Objects and I, Steph Woods Q&A, Joey M.
2021 Museum of Brisbane Shop, Q&A Interview, Lucy-Belle Rayner
2020 Australian Ceramics Journal, Colour Feature, November Issue
2017 Post Datum Publication, Motionless