Sandman platter
Maker
Gerry Wedd
Date2000
Object number00033565
NamePlatter
MediumCeramic
DimensionsOverall: 320 x 460 x 30 mm, 2.13 kg
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis platter in the style of blue and white 'Willow pattern' was made by Gerry Wedd. It uses a suburban scene of a Sandman van with surfboards on the roof as its central image, surrounded by a decorative border. The platter is made from decorated slip clay with clear glaze.
The Australian Holden 'Sandman' was in production from 1974 until 1980. The vehicle reached cult like status and is still associated today with Australian surf culture and late 1970s youth.HistoryBorn in Adelaide in 1957, Gerry Wedd is a ceramic artist, graphic artist, jewellery maker, and five times former South Australian State Champion surfer. He has received various ceramic awards, including the Sydney Meyer Fund International Ceramics Award 1999. In the late 1980s Wedd began producing designs for the Mambo surfwear label, established by Dare Jennings and Andrew Rich in 1984. Wedd's ceramics, posters, t-shirts and fabric designs were characterised by bright colours, quirky imagery and an irreverent sense of humour that drew upon Australian society and identity, with a particular focus on music and surfing culture.SignificanceThis platter challenges the traditional craft of ceramics through its popular culture subject matter and the irreverent humour associated with surfing culture.
