Merran Esson

Merran Esson (1950–2022) was an Australian ceramicist known for her colourful ceramic pieces influenced by country New South Wales and the urban landscape of Sydney.

Early life Esson was born in 1950 in Tumbarumba, in country New South Wales. In her early years her observations of the clash of natural landscapes and human interventions during glider flights with her father contributed significantly to her practice later in life.

In 1973, she was introduced to ceramics at Bendigo Pottery and was also influenced by the art style of Australian ceramic sculptor, Marea Gazzard.

In 1974 she attended art school at Caulfield Institute of Technology, earning a Diploma in Art and Design and 1983 received a Workshop Development Grant from the Crafts Board of the Australia Council.

Career Esson's artistic journey was shaped by her practical experiences and a fascination with the material transformation of clay. Personal life In 2020 artist, Susan Doherty painted her portrait for the Archibald Prize. It was included in the 2020 Salon des Refusés. 2005 - 24th Gold Coast International Ceramic Award 2006 - National Art School's Studio Residency Cite Internationale Des Arts in Paris 2008 - Shepparton Ceramic Award's Poyntzpass Pioneers Award of Merit 2016 - Distinguished Teaching Award, National Art School 2019 - Muswellbrook Art Prize Ceramics 2019 - Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize 2000 - Port Hackers Potters Award