John Stephens makes teapots .. . but not as we know them.
The self-taught potter uses angular, geometric lines to make his teapots, which he sells from his Heads Rd gallery, Sand Hill Gallery.
Mr Stephens has a background in tinwork, so his teapots are constructed in the same way as he
used to make his tin creations.
"I only do slab work, all my pieces are hand built."
Mr Stephens is from Napier and admits to being influenced by the art deco style for which the city is famous.
His teapot designs are quirky and humorous, with some of them resembling human forms.
He was told during his part-time studies that he could not be a potter "unless you can make a teapot". "I couldn't think of anything worse, but eventually I realised they don't have to be all pink and flowery."
Mr Stephens is self-taught. He has always wanted to study at art school but circumstances prevented him.
After years of working in building and engineering trades - with classes and workshops on the side to keep his love of art alive - he eventually realised he "just had to go for it".
Sand Hill Gallery opened in September last year, and has artwork on display from 13 different artists, including his own, photography from his daughter Kate Stephens and mixed-media work from his sister Carolyn Stephens.
This Saturday at 2pm, Ron Riddell will be doing a poetry reading at Sand Hill Gallery, 170 Heads Rd.
