NATIONAL: Rick Rudd with some of the work by Helen Yau, winner of the Primo Clays Excellence Award.
PICTURE / PAUL BROOKS
NATIONAL: Rick Rudd with some of the work by Helen Yau, winner of the Primo Clays Excellence Award.
PICTURE / PAUL BROOKS
Thirty years ago, in 1987, Rick Rudd was convener of the New Zealand Society of Potters national convention in Whanganui, and organiser of the exhibition at the Sarjeant Gallery. This year, the exhibition returns, now in the exhibition rooms at Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics in Bates St. Of the 37exhibitors from 1987, four are exhibiting this year - Gaeleen Morley, Anneke Borren, Royce McGlashen and Rick Rudd.
"This year, no-one put their hand up for a convention, so the Society asked me if I'd just have the National [Exhibition] here," says Rick, owner and curator of Quartz. The benefits are twofold - Rick can lay claim to have had the National Exhibition, and the Society and its members can say they have had an exhibition at such a prestigious venue as Quartz. "It works for everyone."
All the pieces in the exhibition are for sale and Rick says he has already sold quite a few. Apart from those mentioned, there are some big names in ceramics in the exhibition and a vast variety of work, all produced to a high standard. "There's an amazing variety of techniques, styles, glazes, firing methods, everything," says Rick. From the practical and utilitarian to the purely decorative, the works constitute a colourful display. There is a full colour catalogue with descriptions and prices.
The works were selected by Paul Winspear, who says he was looking for pieces which were well-made, showing competency and skill. "At the same time, I have looked for pieces which excite, challenge, charm and engage with the viewer (and the handler)."
The exhibition, and two others for NZ Potters this year, was organised by Aimée McLeod, who is also represented among the pieces on display.
Rick expects potters from around the country to visit the exhibition over the next few months. He has already had groups of potters from out of town (Levin, New Plymouth) making special trips to see it. Thirty-nine ceramic artists are represented throughout the three rooms at Quartz.
Among the sponsors this year are Whanganui businesses Tree Gallery and Belton Smith and Associates, as well as the Rick Rudd Foundation which manages Quartz. NZ Potters Inc 58th National Exhibition 2017 runs at Quartz until November 19.
