FIBRE ART and POTTERY combine in 'FROM THE LAND'.

New Plymouth Potters, Barbara Nicholls and Kathryn Gates join with Janette Theobald and Maree Liddington this month for an exhibition combining pottery and fibre art.  The exhibition opens on Sunday 28^th with an opening afternoon tea from 2pm, at The Village Gallery, Eltham.  Visitors are very welcome.

 Barbara has been involved in pottery for the past 30 years. She has developed her skills by attending polytechnic night classes, weekend workshops and summer schools. She is a member of the New Plymouth Potters club and the NZ Society of Potters.

In her words, “I am interested in anything to do with clay but it’s the energy and thought processes involved in wheel throwing that I enjoy the most. I am interested in the form of a pot and have recently been inspired to look at a more contemporary approach using the bowl form as a sculptural expression. I am interested in glazes and reduction firing in a gas kiln. I am currently experimenting with porcelain and traditional style oriental reduction glazes like copper red and celadon. “

Kathryn is also a potter of 30 years experience.  She has been experimenting with clay by developing forms on the wheel, using high-fired stoneware and porcelain clay bodies as well as creating large slab forms.

To quote Kathryn's words, “I find the medium of clay a very tactile and responsive material to express my creative energy. I decorate my work using Chinese style glazes, and also enjoy exploring other glaze combinations such as ash, copper and barium. Reduction firing the work in a gas kiln to a temperature of 1280 to 1300C produces a variety of effects and colours.”

Janette has a strong affinity to the land of Aotearoa. In her words, “ It is my joy to explore and interpret the worlds around me using arguably the most ancient textile of all, felted wool.  Felt is a magical material, a soft, warm flexible natural material made from wool other fibres.  It can be moulded and shaped into two and three dimensional artefacts simply with the addition of water and friction.  I enjoy the challenge of extending the creative possibilities of the medium, and teaching and sharing the pleasure of creativity using such a simple and fascinating technology.”

Maree has a passion for Tapestry weaving, another ancient art form.  She is inspired by her love of the mountains and bush, and in this exhibition has several pieces inspired by the volcanic plateau of the North Island.  Maree says, “ Tapestry weaving is a totally absorbing, and almost meditative process.  From the design and drawing stage to the actual weaving, one can get lost in the work.  A similar process to an artist with their painting, I would think.”

'From the Land'  is on display at The Village Gallery, Eltham from 29^th September - 24^th October.

Opening hours: 10am -3pm Monday – Saturday.  Any enquiries to Maree 7645221.

 

Annual Exhibition Finished but Gallery still open

Thanks to REAL TART Gallery for hosting our 41st Annual Exhibition which finished at the weekend. We hope you got a chance to see the amazing talent of local potters in Taranaki.......if not then come and check out our members work housed in our Gallery at 288 Courtenay Street, New Plymouth.  We are open Sat/Sun between 1-4pm.....you might even find something there for fathers' day!