After a stint of school-teaching she succumbed to her longing to work as an artist and fell in love with ceramics.  Her first studio was in Portland, Oregon where she developed her throwing skills and produced functional ware inspired by the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi.

From 1976 – 1979 Gudrun studied for her MFA at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. There she came into contact with a wide range of resident and visiting artists who awakened her interest in the broader visual arts, sculpture and installation.

TODAY

Gudrun’s artwork ranges across a number of formats – including mixed- media installations, one-off sculptural works, vessels and wall pieces. She utilises various types of clay and firing techniques– whatever she finds is best suited to the concepts and work ideas: earthenware to stoneware and porcelain.

Study Residencies and Symposiums:

Gudrun Klix has participated in numerous renowned residencies and international symposiums that have significantly shaped her artistic practice. These include artist-in-residence programs at the Banff Centre for the Arts in Canada, the University of Northern Arizona, and Red Deer College. She has also been a guest professor and symposium participant at institutions such as Schwäbischer Kunstsommer in Germany, and Kecskemeti International Ceramics Studio in Hungary. Her involvement in these events  as well as the Gulgong Clay Sculpture Festival and the Walbrych Symposium in Poland reflect her active engagement in the international ceramics community. Her Involvement in these events as well as the Gulgong Sculpture Festival

Awards:

Klix’s work has received numerous awards recognizing her contributions to contemporary ceramics. Notably, she won the First Prize for indoor work at Woolwich Harbour Sculpture in Sydney and was awarded a Bronze Medal at the Gyeonggi International Ceramix Biennale in South Korea, where her work was celebrated internationally. She has also received grants from the Australia Council, university research grants, and regional art prizes, including awards for her sculpture and ceramic installations, highlighting her versatility and excellence in the field.

Academic Boards and Committees:

Throughout her academic career, Klix has held significant leadership and advisory roles. As Head of Ceramics at Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney, she guided curriculum development and mentored young artists. She served on the College Board, chairing various committees, and was a member of the university’s Academic Board and Research Committee. Her leadership extended to national arts initiatives, serving on arts training committees, external review panels, and advisory groups, fostering arts education and professional development in ceramics.

Exhibitions:

Gudrun Klix’s work has been showcased extensively through solo exhibitions in Australia, North America, Europe, and Asia, including the USA, Canada, and Germany. Her solo shows tend to explore themes of landscape, earth, and myth through innovative ceramic sculptures and installations. Her group exhibition participation includes prestigious events like the Gyeonggi International Ceramix Biennale (where she won a bronze prize), SOFA Chicago, the International Ceramics Biennale (Taiwan), and international touring exhibitions. Her work “Wandering Hands” and “Path Edge/Mind Edge” are particularly noted for their impact and have been featured in major galleries and festivals.

Professional Memberships:

Klix is an emeritus member of the International Academy of Ceramics and is actively involved in professional organizations including NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts), the Australian Ceramics Association, and North Coast Ceramics Inc. She has served as a juror, curator, and keynote speaker at numerous conferences and exhibitions, advocating for the development of contemporary ceramic arts.

Major Collections:

Her innovative and evocative ceramic works are held in numerous prominent collections worldwide, including the National Gallery of Australia, Art Gallery of Western Australia, and the Columbia Museum of Art (USA). Internationally, her work is part of the Tsingua University Collection in China, the Icheon World Ceramic Centre in Korea, the Walbrych Museum in Poland, and galleries such as the Herbert Kohler Art Collection in Wisconsin. Her pieces are also included in regional and university collections in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, reflecting her international reputation and the wide appreciation of her work.