Auckland Studio Potters: Fire & Clay 2015
18 November, 2015 - 13 December, 2015
Long Gallery
Duncan Shearer, Bottle (2015)
Fire & Clay, Contemporary Ceramics 2015 showcases recent ceramic works created by members of the Auckland Studio Potters (ASP).
The ASP, representing around 350 members, has over the past 54 years promoted and supported potters and ceramic artists in Auckland and beyond. Their studio is based in Onehunga, Auckland.
Fire and Clay 2015 aims to celebrate excellence in ceramic practice, and will feature work from over 60 of the best ceramic artists and potters from Auckland and beyond.
The ASP’s 51st annual exhibition of contemporary ceramics is selected by Duncan Shearer.
Nadine Spalter, Dreamscapes (2014)
Duncan is a studio potter based in Mackaytown, Waikato and specialises mainly in wheel thrown work fired in a wood firing kiln using vapour glazing. Duncan first became interested in clay as a teenager, but it wasn’t until he started studying ceramics at UNITEC in 1994 that he realised it was about to become a lifelong passion. In 1998 he graduated with a bachelor in 3D design, majoring in ceramics and since then has been working as a studio potter. He was the Co-Director f the Auckland Studio Potters from 2000 to 006 and the Manager for the Waikato Society of Potters from 2008 to 2012.
Currently, most of Duncan’s work begins life on the wheel, but that’s just the start of the making process. He adds, subtracts and alters the initial round forms, looking for a liveliness and freshness that will remain through the whole making process. He uses a wood kiln to fire his work as it provides the richest surfaces that complement the forms. The physical nature of this firing process and its inherent unpredictability give the work freshness and a decorating touch that speaks about process.
Join Suzy Dunser as she discusses Fire & Clay 2015 on Saturday 28 November at 11.30am.
The Auckland Studio Potters (ASP) was founded in the early 1960s (incorporated as a society in 1972), and is now a successful community organisation with over 350 members, drawn from across the spectrum of Auckland's people. The ASP promotes pottery and ceramics in the Auckland region at all levels, offers a comprehensive programme of classes, and gives its members the opportunity to participate in exhibitions. Our services include a premier teaching facility where each week up to 9 day and night classes are held, ranging from beginners to advanced students. A Diploma in Ceramics is administered from Dunedin with studio modules taught at the Auckland Studio Potters Centre in Onehunga. The ASP also caters for many community groups, play centre, special needs groups, and school children.
