TIM BROWN

KATE FITZHARRIS

HANA RAKENA

2-23 May 2008

Please join us at our preview Friday 2nd at 5pm. All artists will be in attendance.

Clay is a medium of diverse qualities which has long captivated the creative output of three young ceramicists; Tim Brown, Kate Fitzharris and Hana Rakena. A visually refreshing investigation of ceramic form, their work brings to the medium formal aspects of structure and technique while exploring innovative and contemporary possibilities.

For a price list or further enquiries please contact Lydia Baxendell: lydia@gallery33.co.nz 

For further images and information on artists please visit their individual artist pages (these can be entered directly via the hyperlinks provided).

Tim Brown

Tim Brown’s tall grooved works in sharp black and white tones are an exploration of pure form. The artist displays a virtuoso consideration of light, shadow and space. Visual tension and movement are produced by the dramatic repetition of pleated lines rising and falling with rhythmic musicality. Assuredly abstract and non-functional Brown’s ceramic structures recall the architectural refinement of influential modernist potter Hans Cooper and sculptor Constantin Brancusi’s ‘Endless Column’ (1938).

Brown's simple elegant sculptures tower in silhouette as he draws on the imagery of traditional weaponry such as the Patu and Tongan Apai Apai clubs. Inspired by Maori and Pacific artefacts, he reinvents objects from the past to produce modern pieces of the here and now.

Hand thrown using fine white earthenware clay, Brown often uses a Terra Sigilata clay slip to soften the severe forms and bring an organic element into the works. ‘One of the qualities of this technique is the random crazing effect only revealed when stained after the firing process’ (1). The ceramic forms sit on wooden bases turned on a lathe. ‘I use wood to reference the wooden clubs from which some of my ideas have been generated, as well as giving a visual and textural contrast to the smooth ceramic forms.’ (2)

Patu and Club forms, ceramic

Hana Rakena

Like Brown, Hana Rakena looks to history to inspire her. Of Ngai Tahu and Nga Puhi ancestry, she draws on Maori weaving, ancient pottery and carving as well as natural materials such as stones, shells and plants. ‘My works are all vessels. Whether holding water, space or a feeling, they are about containment’ states the artist. (3)

Resembling gathered flurries of fabric Hana Rakena’s elegant vessels seem to dance in an unseen wind. The works have an earthy texture and warm brown hues reminiscent of dry summer grass or wet sand. With characteristically small bases flaring out into curvaceous and dramatic folds, Rakena’s forms defy gravity and despite a seemingly fine brittle appearance are deceivingly strong.

The pieces are coiled and pinched by hand then refined by scraping and carving back. The clay has grog (pre-fired and ground up clay) added, and this gives the directional scratches and texture as the shape is worked. After bisque firing, each piece is covered in a fine clay slip and then gas fired.

Kate Fitzharris

Opposed to the more formal and abstract nature of Brown and Rakena, Kate Fitzharris’ figurative dolls have an endearingly anthropomorphic quality. Owls, cats, mice and other quirky creatures form the body of this series, each with a distinct personality.

The makers hands are very evident in the artists approach - heads, hands and feet are made from clay while the soft bodies are constructed from hand died wool and fabric.

Like well worn and cherished heirlooms of childhood, Fitzharris’ figures seem to imbue a sense of history and nostalgia. Wise yet childlike faces tell stories of far off times and distant places. ‘My dolls are both playthings and sacred objects’ states the artist. 'My work is very much inspired by my environment, of my experiences of living in this diverse world, exploring people's relationships with other animals. My starting point is always clay, but I often incorporate found materials. This allows me some sort of intimacy with the pieces, where they speak of their history of place. A real connection to place, landscape and community.’ (4)

(1) Tim Brown, Artist Statement, 2008

(2) Ibid

(3) Hana Rakena, Artist Statement, 2008

(4) Kate Fitzharris, Artist Statement, 2008

Catalogue Essay by Lydia Baxendell 2008