araceli adams
“I try to accurately show the specimens, like early naturalists and botanist adventurers.”
Araceli has been making and painting ceramics for 10 years.
“I was drawn to how one could tell a story through an everyday object, such as a plate or a vessel.”
Inspired by the mysteries of local marine life, 2 years ago she started painting Australian fish and crustaceans on her wares, mainly because she was curious to learn more.
“From the beginning I wanted marine platters to be educational. I try to accurately show the specimens, like early naturalists and botanist adventurers. Each piece identifies the species on the underside.”
Sparking curiosity
Araceli wants to create more than just awareness to our marine species through my ceramics.
“My aim is to empower whoever looks at my work with knowledge of the species depicted, to wow them with their beauty and story, in the hopes that it might ignite the spark of curiosity and, ultimately, to care for and preserve them. “
Biodiversity hotspot
Araceli’s favourite part of the Great Southern Reef is Sydney, where she lives with her family.
“The sheer scale of biodiversity around the city is mesmerising, with species coming from warmer waters up north and colder waters from the south. We seem to be the lucky meeting point.”
Leatherjackets
They may seem made up due to their wonderful colouring and design, but these leatherjackets exist and are endemic to Australia's southern coast.
They get their names (Toothbrush Leatherjacket above, Horseshoe Leatherjacket below) due to their very thick skin. Both these species thrive in the rocky reefs with kelp and seagrass meadows of the Great Southern Reef.
These designs were part of Araceli’s exhibition in 2022 at the Maunsell Wickes Gallery which showcased the marine biodiversity of the GSR.
In 2023 and beyond Araceli is excited to have more exhibitions and hopes to bring even more understanding & curiosity about the wonders of the GSR through her work.
Learn about more passionate photographers and artists inspired by the Great Southern Reef.
