The authors of a book on ceramics is shortlisted for an award while sorting out a historical error, writes Sharu Delilkan.
It took the authors a decade, but completing Cone Ten Down: Studio Pottery in New Zealand, 1945-1980 has been satisfying for them. Moyra Elliott is thrilled her first book, co-written with
"I'm under no false illusions that we're going to win. It's great enough to be a finalist, especially since I had no idea what to expect when we started working on the book," says Elliott.
Each year, the competition recognises the cream of the country's writing and illustration.
Elliott says in writing this book she learned about the significant Japanese influence on Kiwi ceramics. "It took me to corners of the country that I would never have visited if I hadn't been working on the book."
Most of the photographs in the book were shot by her husband, Haru Sameshima.
The dates chosen, 1945 to 1980, were obvious to Elliott because they marked the beginning and end of the Japanese influence in New Zealand pottery. The couple is working on another book, a volume which picks up where the one listed in this year's finals leaves off.
Elliott says she enjoyed dispelling a number of industry myths that had been accepted as truth.
"My favourite was that men potters during the Japanese pottery movement were considered the country's pioneers, when, in fact, it was women who were self-support-ing pioneering studio potters during the 1920s and 1930s, way before the Anglo-Oriental movement of the 1950s."
2010 NZ Post Book Awards winners will be announced on Aug 27. Details, see: www.nzpostbookawards.co.nz
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