If your idea of pottery is stodgy, shapeless lumps of clay left over from a 1970s high school night class, think again.
From Saturday 31 October to Sunday 29 November the Fisher Gallery presents State of the Clay, the Auckland Studio Potters Annual Exhibition. This exhibition shows the strong design sense developed in New Zealand ceramics with new work from this year - its bold, colourful and clever, like architecture ceramics has changed significantly since the 1970s!
State of the Clay is an exhibition of new works by members of the Auckland Studio Potters Society, exhibited for the first time at the Fisher Gallery, Manukau’s public art gallery. The Fisher Gallery has a commitment to new developments in craft design.
State of the Clay is a celebration of the dynamic diversity and skill in clay produced by Auckland crafts people. New Zealand Studio Pottery stands as a mark of quality craftsmanship against the ever-increasing importation of cheaply mass produced ceramics from overseas. Our potters excel at the handmade aspect of studio pottery distinguishing this work from it’s imitators. Technical excellence and design characterize studio pottery. State of the Clay is a unique opportunity for the public to witness the huge range of talent and diversity of work produced, that exists in the Auckland potting community.
The works on show will be a selection from submitted works chosen by Peter Sinclair, celebrity radio host and former gallery owner, and Douglas Lloyd-Jenkins, Unitec Art History lecturer and art critic. The Auckland Studio Potters Society was set up by a small group of enthusiasts in March 1961, but prior to that, as early as 1925 the stage was being set for the growth and beginnings of the studio pottery movement in Auckland with pioneer potters such as Briar Gardner and Olive Jones. State of the Clay is the society's 34th annual exhibition, works by some of the original society group will also be included in the exhibition demonstrating their durability and commitment to the craft.
With the demise this year of the Fletcher Challenge Awards, State of the Clay opens a new chapter to the history of the Auckland Studio Potters. This society has many talented members, some of which have been recognised in past Fletcher Challenge Awards and by overseas institutions. Works by guest exhibitors Len Castle, Peter Hawkesby and Chris Weaver will be exhibited in the Studio Gallery.
Ephemera
→ State of the Clay, 1998, exhibition card
Download
→ State of the Clay, 1998, publication