The world’s ceramic community rallied together over the weekend and raised over $40,000 in the inspiring online project ‘Clay For Nepal’, for devastated earthquake victims.
According to the project’s coordinators, Melbourne artists Vipoo Srivilasa and Adriana Christianson, the response from the world’s ceramics community has been overwhelming with more than 120 artworks donated to the online store and auction. Forty highly collectable artists including Australia’s Pippin Drysdale and Simone Fraser, and Belgium’s Ann Van Hoey, were among the donating artists.
Srivilasa was deeply effected by the disaster, “After seeing the terrible footage, I felt that I had to do something. I realised that together with my colleagues we could auction our work to make a substantial contribution to the relief effort,” he said.
“The response from artists to donate works, and from people around the world to purchase work has been overwhelming, and at times it was difficult to keep up with the demand!
“I’m so proud of all the artists for their generosity and thank the community for embracing the project. Together we’ve made a significant contribution to the relief effort in Nepal,” Srivilasa said.
Srivilasa is renowned for bringing communities together through ceramics and in 2011 raised over $20,000 in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Yasi for the Queensland Flood Appeal.
The death toll since the April 25 earthquake has reached over 8,000 and relief efforts in the wake of a second earthquake highlight the need for continued support in providing emergency shelter, medical supplies, sanitation, safe drinking water and assistance to help rebuild the impoverished nation.
For those who missed out on purchasing work in the store and auction the artists have set up a donation page on the website.
All donations and proceeds from the art sales go to OXFAM Australia: Nepal Earthquake Relief Appeal.
Images:
Ben Carter, Green Tall Carafe
Juz Kitson Life
Pippin Drysdale, Sun Burst
Kate Malone (UK), A Pair of Little Atomics
Kris Coad
Roy Chandra, Tetris Vases (S). Image by Stephen Cummings