"Jardinière" in English denotes more than an ornamental dish or receptacle—it embodies a bridge between the untamed natural world and the confines of domesticity. This title delves into the collaborative exploration of painter Ruth Waller and ceramicist Toni Warburton, who share a profound fascination with earthenware artefacts—vases, jars, figurines—that transcend their utilitarian origins.

Their collaborative works are imbued with inspiration drawn from the rich tapestry of natural diversity, including coral species and algal blooms. They also draw from the unexpected beauty found in urban nature reserves nestled within the suburbs of Canberra. Through their artistic dialogue, Waller and Warburton craft pieces that blur the boundaries between art and nature, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay of form and function, beauty and utility.

This exploration not only celebrates the aesthetic allure of jardinières but also underscores their symbolic significance as vessels that bring elements of wilderness and tranquility into the domestic sphere. The resulting artworks resonate with a harmony of organic shapes and textures, inviting contemplation on our relationship with the natural world and the ways in which we integrate it into our everyday lives.