Arts and Planning 2009 FORUM SERIES -
In association with the National Trust
DR GARY HILL: “AFTER THE RUSH”
The significance of new archaeological discoveries in Bendigo
6.00pm Thursday 27 August 2009
Dr Gary Hill – a short biography
Dr Garry Hill
Dr Gary Hill - PhD Visual Arts, is a well known and highly respected
member of the Bendigo and Eaglehawk communities. Gary Hill’s
association with La Trobe University began with the commencement
of an undergraduate BA degree in 1995 on the Bendigo campus.
He has had a wide-ranging involvement in student politics within
the Bendigo Student Association as a member of the board in 1999
and 2006. He has also held positions on a number of University
boards including faculty board (Faculty at Bendigo and Faculty
of Regional Development), School Board (School of Arts and Education),
La Trobe Academic board 2002 and 2004, member of La Trobe University’s
alignment debate committee and higher degree committee. He is
currently treasurer of the Bendigo Orchid Club, National trust
Bendigo branch and Bendigo chapter of the La Trobe Alumni.
The major focus of Gary’s research for his doctorate was
an investigation into ceramics produced at Sukhothai in north
central Thailand in the 13th to 16th Centuries. He applied his
first hand knowledge of working with clay, making glazes and
firing wood kilns together with his knowledge of scientific analysis
to understanding the modes of production and the use of local
materials. This research was a collaborative work with Anthony
Conway, lecturer in ceramics, and Dr Don Hein.
This multi disciplined approach to the study of both historical
and contemporary ceramics has led to collaborative research on
a number of ceramic related issues resulting in a range of outcomes
including the production of articles in refereed journals.
Gary’s knowledge of ceramic production complemented his role
as archaeologist when, in 2005, a remarkable archeological discovery
was made at Emu Point in Bendigo – the former gold rush site
of the Ironbark Chinese camp. An excavation was initiated by Heritage
Victoria and carried out under the direction of Dr Don Hein, an expert
in south-east Asian kilns. The discovery of this brick-making kiln
has added an outstanding feature to Victoria’s cultural history,
as there appears to be no other of its type in the world outside
of China.
Gary Hill will discuss the importance of this remarkable discovery,
and other local archaeological discoveries, in his presentation on
August 27.
Some published articles
Raw or Pre-Fired: Kiln Construction at Sawankhalok, North Central
Thailand, as a Guide to Ceramic History
Re-Creation of the 1744
Heylyn and Frye Ceramic Patent Wares Using Cherokee Clay: Implications
for
Raw Materials, Kiln Conditions, and the Earliest English
Porcelain Production.
Extract from Vol.V Number 1 (January - February 2008) Southeast
Asian Ceramics Museum Newsletter.
Surprising new analysis argues Sukhothai ware probably fired in
up-draft kilns.
Char Char Char: A Dance with Fire - presentation delivered at
Sturt Woodfire 08. |
