John Parker: Handmade Precision John Parker: He Toki Ngao Matariki

John Parker is one of New Zealand’s most distinctive ceramic artists. Simple lines, clean edges, and industry-inspired forms feature throughout his 50-year career. 

  • When | Āhea 28 Oct 2016 – 26 Feb 2017
  • Where | Ki hea Level 6
  • Cost | Te utu Free exhibition
  • Ages | Te reanga All ages
  • Allow | Me whakarite 10 minutes

I am not interested in the random and the spontaneous. I want to be better than a lathe, more plastic than plastic.

John Parker, 1987 

Parker is one of New Zealand’s most distinctive ceramic artists. Throughout his 50-year career, he has favoured the simple lines and clean edges of modernism. Industrial forms, Crown Lynn pottery, and opera are among the influences on his work.

A 2007 residency in China inspired Parker to explore different techniques, including decorating with decals – like the goldfish on this bottle. In China, Parker experienced the epiphany that his work was playing ‘a small part in the continuum of ceramic history.’

Exhibition highlights Taonga whakaatu

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