Bela Kotai

Bela Kotai, born in Germany in 1947 to Hungarian parents, immigrated to Western Australia with his family in 1950.Under the mentorship of his father, Francis Kotai, he honed his skills in ceramics and later earned a degree in Design from Curtin University in 1978.

Throughout his extensive career, Kotai has been a prominent figure in the Australian ceramics community, working as a professional potter, artist, educator, and academic administrator. He has showcased his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions both nationally and internationally. His pieces are part of esteemed collections, including the Art Gallery of Western Australia. 

Kotai's commitment to the arts extends beyond his personal practice. He has held significant academic positions, such as Head of the Art Department at Kalgoorlie College and Head of the Claremont School of Art. Notably, he was the founding Director of the Western Australian School of Art, Design, and Media.

As an advocate for the arts, Kotai has served on various public arts committees, including the board of the Festival of Perth, and has chaired the Ministerial Arts Advisory Board. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded a Creative Development Fellowship from the WA Department of Culture and the Arts. In 2011, he furthered his artistic exploration as a resident at the Anderson Ranch in Colorado, USA.

Kotai's dedication to ceramics is also evident in his innovative approach to large-scale pottery. After a back injury in the mid-1980s, he invented the "Throwmaster," a tool designed to facilitate the coil-and-throw method, allowing for the creation of substantial forms without compromising his health. Kotaitechnical.

Currently, Kotai continues to impart his knowledge and passion for ceramics as a lecturer at North Metropolitan TAFE in Western Australia, inspiring a new generation of artists.