His latest exhibition, entitled ‘Ephemeris – some notes from the natural world’, is a collection of hand-built ceramics that explore “the continuous rhythm of life, death, rebirth and regeneration”.

The artworks are inspired by photographs and memories of the bushland near Mincham’s home in the Adelaide Hills. 

But Mincham endeavoured not to reproduce any of the images literally in his artwork, preferring to “absorb the ethos of the forms” he has observed. 

“My approach as an artist is not to replicate the things I see – artistically I think that would be quite a crude approach – but to take the elements I see and put them together.”

Much of the artwork in this collection has been created over the past four weeks during Mincham’s residency at Sturt Pottery.

The South Australian artist, who was recognised as a master of Australian craft in 2012, said the dry, windy winter weather in the Highlands has helped him to “condense months of work into four weeks”, reducing the drying time for his large clay pieces from four days to one. 

Mincham’s honed technique means he can often fire his pieces several times to perfect the outcome. 

“There are two parts to ceramics – working with the materials, and then the firing and finishing processes. They do require a careful, calculated approach,” he said.

“But the creative aspect is like any creative process. It’s full of chances. My work relies heavily on spontaneity and unusual things happening.”

The ‘Ephemeris’ artworks are detailed, atmospheric and statuesque. 

“What I’m really seeking in my final processes is a deeply ceramic quality. I want the works to have an enduring presence. That’s hard to achieve,” he said.

The artist describes Sturt Pottery as “a kind of mecca” for ceramicists and it is here he has been able to produce an impressive and cohesive collection based on the Australian bush. 

“Sturt would definitely be the principal crossroads in Australia of the post-war craft boom. It’s a pilgrimage of sorts to a sacred site [laughs].”

“This is the first [collection] of this nature I’ve done in many years and it’s been deeply refreshing,” Mincham said. 

Ephemeris is on display at the Sturt Gallery in Mittagong from Sunday, September 24 (officially opening at 11am) until November 12.