From the President WPA Annual General Meeting Sunday 4 October

September 2015

Upcoming Dates to Note in Your Diary Now!

August 30 Anagama Receiving Day at the Rooms September 1 Anagama Kiln Loading September 20 Anagama Opening and BBQ at Te Haunui, Horokiwi October 4 WPA AGM, 2.30pm at the Rooms October 17 Ceramicus15 – WPA Annual Exhibition Receiving Day October 18 Ceramicus15 Selection [Note: Rooms closed while Selection is occurring] October 23 Ceramicus15 Opening, Portrait Gallery, Shed 11, 5.30-7.30pm Regular events: Tuesdays Shared lunch at the rooms - just come along and bring something to share! For the indicative WPA Programme for the year, see page 7, Pottery Classes page 8

From the President

Elections for the WPA Committee The AGM is being held at 2:30 pm on Sunday 4 October at the rooms. The AGM is once-a-year meeting open to all club members. The president reviews the year, the treasurer presents the accounts, and then we elect a new committee. Interested in getting on the committee? The club runs on the goodwill of volunteers, and we are always looking to introduce new faces to the committee. Serving on the committee is not daunting or onerous. It involves attending a monthly evening meeting, sharing ideas and helping to plan the club’s various activities. The meetings can be stimulating and sociable. You do not have to be a top potter or a long-time member, and you don’t need special skills or experience. You just need to be willing. I am going to stand down as president, so we are looking for someone new to take on the role. In addition to the president, there are three other officers to elect at the AGM – vice-president, treasurer and secretary – plus six committee members. So please think about standing for the committee. If you are interested, get in touch with someone on the current committee and have a chat about it (contact details at end of newsletter). Then come along to the AGM, have your say, and put your name forward!

Empty Bowls You’ll be able to read elsewhere in this newsletter about the Empty Bowls project. It was a wonderful success. At the launch at Moore Wilson’s, bowls were snapped up in no time. The entire Moore Wilson’s stock went within hours and we had to get more bowls in. Thanks to everyone who made bowls or helped out. And a special thank you to Rebecca Flowerday who was the inspiration and driving force behind it all. Well done Rebecca!

Anagama The anagama firing is coming up soon! If you are new to pottery or new to the club, I highly recommend getting up to Horokiwi during the firing to check things out. It’s amazing!

Gwyn Williams Outgoing President

WPA Annual General Meeting Sunday 4 October

All WPA members are invited to attend the club’s AGM at the rooms on Sunday 4 October 2015 at 2.30pm .

1 AGM Agenda 1. Apologies 2. Minutes of AGM held 12 October 2014 3. President’s Report 4. Treasurer’s Report 5. Elections of Officers: • President • Vice President • Secretary • Treasurer 6. Election of Six Committee Members. 7. Other Business

Nominations If you want to stand for election, you have to be nominated. You can be nominated by someone at the AGM, but if you can’t make the meeting, you just need to give your consent in writing beforehand. Email [email protected] .

Upstairs Space at the WPA Rooms

Upstairs at the Rooms we have a couple of free spaces that can be used by members who wish to have a dedicated area for their work. It is available for rent for a 6-month period, when it will be reviewed. The charge is $20 a month. We offer:

• a quarter share of the bench space on the window side • a quarter share of the bench space on the opposite side • a shelf at the end of the room, and a share of the shelves above the bench • space for hand building and storage, but not for a wheel. There is no running water. • There are some guidelines for good management – keeping the walk-through passageway clear, making sure the area is left clean & tidy, etc.

Existing users – please reapply if you wish to be considered for the next period.

If this interests you, please contact [email protected] by 4 September 2015.

Deliveries at the Rooms

We have been having some problems with deliveries at the rooms. Some of the carriers have not met the conditions of the contract. If you are at the rooms when a load of clay arrives, please don't sign for it unless you are authorised to. (This doesn't apply to small parcels, but to bulk deliveries).

2015 Empty Bowls Project

Those Potters who made it to the Empty Bowls 2015 Launch at Moore Wilson's, Wellington City, were rewarded by the public enthusiasm for our bowls.

Local Potters from around the region, including Wairarapa, Porirua and Otaki, made a great contribution with a total of 950 bowls finally being made and gratefully received! With 1.5 weeks to go, and more than 800 bowls being sold to date, over $16,000 has been raised so far for the Downtown Community Ministry.

Moore Wilson have sold out of the bowls but there are still bowls in the Cafes of Wellington to be found. Please let all people you know to get in quick and purchase their bowls now.

Those who have been involved with this project, from making, glazing and firing of the bowls to fettling and distribution of them should be very proud of what you've been able to contribute and achieve as a community. Not only has it raised money for the

2 charity organisation but also raised the profile of Potters and Pottery around the regions.

There is a website for Empty Bowls - http://www.emptybowls.org.nz/ - that is up and running and has a list of those Potters who have contributed this year. To make sure that everyone is acknowledged and to get a handle on the size of the contribution around the regions, could you please send through your name, if you have contributed in any way. Rebecca will be updating the website at the end of the month, so please email your name to [email protected] .

From the Wellington Potters Association Committee and the Downtown Community Ministry, a very big thank you.

Bowls can still be purchased for $20 each at: • Thunderbird Cafe - Featherston Street • HAYA Cafe - Aro Valley • Strathmore Gipsy Kitchen – Strathmore • All Kapai Cafes • Karaka Cafe - on the Te Aro Lagoon • Little Peckish - Willis Street Arcade

Anagama Ablaze Wednesday 9 September marks the beginning of the 11th Anagama firing. There has been a flurry of preparatory activity readying the kiln for its latest adventure. In the past month Maurice and Carolyn Bennett, Roger Pearce, Mal Sole, Peter Rumble, Shige Ohashi and Graeme Houston have all contributed.

All is now in readiness for the firing:

• The brick props used for supporting the kiln roof formers, used for repairing the roof, have been removed and stacked; • Silt from the flood that graced the floor of the kiln has been removed; • The wood is stacked; • The shelves have been cleaned; • Maurice & Carolyn Bennett on Stacking Additional rock buttressing is in place; Duties • The slip that contributed to the kiln being flooded has been partially removed; and • Anagama glazes prepared.

Installing the additional rock buttressing was a challenging exercise with Mr Rumble exhibiting previously unseen physical prowess in lifting and manoeuvring the often heavy rocks into place under the direction of a demanding Mr Ohashi. The rocks were obtained by Graeme Rockers - Shige Ohashi & Peter Rumble from the Horokiwi Quarry. As access to the far side of the kiln was restricted because of the stacks of firewood, a bridge across the kiln’s firing pit was built. This comprised a stack of pallets atop of which was a sheet of plywood. A trolley was used to carry the larger rocks. For me trolley techniques learned in moving heavy bales of wool in wool stores came flooding back! Rock Providor - Graeme Houston There has been an excellent response to the invitation for people to 3 assist in loading and firing the kiln. At the time of writing a total of 40 people had volunteered to participate as firing shift leaders and members.

Timetable: Steps Dates Receiving Day: Pots received at the rooms Sunday 30 August (Upstairs) from 10am - 3pm. Transport pots to kiln Sunday 30 August Load kiln Tuesday 1 – Sunday 6 September Fire kiln Wednesday 9 – Sunday 13 September Cool kiln Monday 14 – Saturday 19 September Unload kiln & BBQ: 11:30 am. All members are Sunday 20 September invited.

Anagama glazes, prepared by Mal Sole assisted by Megumi Ogo, are now available at the rooms. For those who are new to Anagama firings, it is a matter of choice as to whether you use such glazes. Anagama purists often don’t as the process of firing the kiln generates its own natural ash glaze. It really is a matter of personal choice.

As you will see from the timetable, the pots are unloaded on Sunday 20 September. This event is accompanied by a BYO barbeque to which all members are invited. The pots are generally available for collection at the kiln site (476 Horokiwi Road, signposted “Te Haunui”) about 2 – 2 ½ hours after the kiln has been opened. Those pots that are not collected will be transported to the rooms as soon as possible after the firing. It is preferable that, if at all possible, they be collected on the Sunday.

An honoured guest at the barbeque will be Mike Atkins. Mike has just moved to Auckland. Apart from the immense contribution he made to the club as a whole, Mike played a pivotal role in the creation of the Anagama kiln. It was through Mike that Richard Stratton and Andy Hope, the architects of the idea, met June and Graeme Houston on whose property the kiln resides. Mike helped build the kiln, maintain it and Mike with his “Gang fire it. Mike’s involvement will be fondly remembered for many things, among which of Ten” trophy cup was his penchant for applying adobe to the kiln. The adobe recipe comprised clay, 2014 sand, straw, sawdust, cement and, if it was available, lots and lots of cow manure. Most of us involved in applying adobe would use trowels. Mike thought this was much too genteel and used his hands to great effect. He has certainly left his mark on the kiln and those associated with it.

Finally, as some of you may know, Murray McGaughran, who was a stalwart of Anagama firings for some years died earlier this month. His contribution to the firings was greatly appreciated – particularly his willingness to do night shifts. An obituary for Murray can be found on page 5.

Alan Ross Anagama Coordinator Ceramicus15: WPA Annual Exhibition

The annual exhibition of our members work – all members are welcome to enter!

When: Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November Where: New Zealand Portrait Gallery, Shed 11, Wellington Waterfront Opening night: Friday 23 October, 5.30 – 7.30pm. Guest potter and selector: Jennifer Turnbull Receiving: Saturday 17 October, 9.30 am - 4 pm at Wellington Potters Association rooms

So if you haven't already made some great pots for it you still have time to start, but you had better be quick. The conditions of entry and entry form will be posted to you shortly. (You have to be a paid up member to enter the exhibition; membership invoices have already been posted out).

Note : The main rooms will be closed while the selection is going on - that is Sunday 18 October. (The glaze room will be available.)

Help make this exhibition a success by:

• Making and entering your best pots

4 • Help distribute leaflets • Attend the opening • Help mind the exhibition. This is a great chance to have a good look at all the exhibitions running in the gallery. Please Note: If you enter pots in the exhibition you are expected to also take a turn at minding it. So, when you bring in your pots on Saturday, 17 October you will be asked which day you will be available for the roster.

If you have any queries email [email protected] .

We may need to touch up the paint on the exhibition plinths that are stored in the storeroom. If you can help please email Nicci but she’ll only call on you if needed.

We would also really appreciate an offer of help from someone to provide information about the exhibition to a list of news outlets and websites.

WPA Subs for the Current Year Now Due

Please note that subscriptions for the current year, 1 August 2015 - 31 July 2016, are now due. Thanks to all those who have paid promptly – you make life easy for me!

All members owing money should have received a pink invoice in the mail. If you haven’t, please contact Vera on 938 8207 or [email protected] .

Murray McGaughran, 5/3/1951 - 6/8/2015 Sadly Murray McGaughran, a member of the WPA since 2001, passed away recently after a brief battle with cancer.

An enthusiastic and accomplished potter who constantly challenged himself in all his endeavours, Murray lived on the Te Haunui property of June and Graeme Houston in Horokiwi. In 2008 he undertook the Diploma in Ceramic Arts run by the Otago Polytechnic as part of its distance learning programme, to hone his ceramic skills and knowledge.

His personal mantra was “let’s get on with it”. This he applied with great gusto not only in pottery activities but also in other spheres of his life. Murray was known to many members through his involvement in Anagama firings where he regularly participated as a shift leader. He also assisted from time-to-time in the preparatory work including cutting firewood, cleaning kiln shelves and loading. Apart from this, he assisted in the installation of the Anagama storeroom and general maintenance. Murray occasionally participated in firing the private Mad Hatters’ salt kiln adjacent to its companion, the Anagama kiln. He developed a passion for wood firing and in 2010 built a small Rocket kiln next to his home which he fired on at least 2 occasions. He also helped in raku firings conducted by the club at Queens Wharf in conjunction with Ceramicus exhibitions.

Murray’s artistic pursuits were not confined to pottery. He also developed a passion for sculpting using Oamaru Stone and participated in the Maidstone Park sculpture events.

Running was one of his great passions in life. Formerly a major in the 2 Field Ambulance section of the Army Reserve, known as the Territorial Force, Murray’s rank was elevated to that of “Colonel” by his friends in the harrier movement in which he was involved for some 40 years. This accolade was conferred on him because of the extraordinary organisational skills and commitment he brought to bear as race director for local and two international events staged in Wellington and Queenstown.

For some years prior to his death Murray worked as a home maintenance man. In 2012 he applied these skills in Nepal building homes under the auspice of the Habitat for Humanity charitable organisation. He also assisted through the local 5 branch of the charity by working on the homes of at least 7 or 8 families in the Wellington area that were in need.

A few years ago Murray embraced Christianity and became an active member of The Anchor Church in Whitby. Roger Pearce spoke on the club’s behalf at the funeral service conducted at the church. Examples of Murray’s work were displayed at the service including his memorable Samurai Warrior piece, depicted in the Anagama kiln photograph at right.

Alan Ross

Raeburn Laird, 5/10/28 - 24/7/2015

A big loss to the Laird family, the New Zealand potting community and Patrick Street in the Petone District, Raeburn was the matriarch of a loving and diverse family. She and husband Keith had been married for 60 years.

Raeburn belonged to the breed of women that managed to do just about everything; bring up a strong family, be an excellent homemaker, adapt to several shifts when husbands work demanded, and provide a hospitable base for family and friends throughout her life.

In addition she excelled as a potter. Raeburn exhibited with the New Zealand Society of Potters, became an artist member of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts and a valuable member of Wellingtons long standing co-operative The Potters Shop.

She operated as a one man band from her workshop at the rear of the section, firing her kiln and distinguishing herself by producing some unusual lustre glazes and latterly unique effects with clay and glass combinations. Despite intermittent poor health in the last 15 years she never ceased to produce new work and exhibited in February this year at a friend’s retrospective at the Academy in Wellington where her work remains today.

Jenny Shearer.

New Potter in Residence

Chris Dunn is WPA's new potter-in-residence. The committee has appointed Chris to the position for a period of three months, from 1 September to 30 November. Chris will make use of the mezzanine studio and will work towards an exhibition in December. He aims to: • improve the quality of his pit-fired work and explore techniques to extend the range of colour and surface effects from the fire, such as saggar-firing • develop cone 6 glazes and experiment with their application • produce work that is decorated with layered glazes representing the Wellington landscape • and explore hand-built organic forms that work in pit-firing and with cone 6 glazes. Pottery & Handcraft Market 5 September

The Wellington Underground Market is calling for stalls for a "Pottery and Woodcraft" market on Saturday 5th September, 10am - 4pm. Stalls are $50 if you are selling products which match the theme - which WPA members obviously do! We also have a limited number of free stalls for stallholders who do demonstrations.

We would love you to join us to sell your wares, recruit new members to your organisation, and showcase your skills to the public.

If you can't make it for the pottery weekend, you may want to attend another time (eg for our Christmas markets). We'd love to see you anytime. You can attend one or more markets in a row. You could even get a group together and have a shared stall. We also offer special deals if you have some sort of demonstration aspect (eg potter's wheel or hand painting). 6

For more information and to register your interest, please contact Esther, [email protected]

Helena Tobin Owner/Director Unearth A Little Treasure Great Shopping every Saturday 10am - 4pm, www.undergroundmarket.co.nz Ph: 021 1613 987 PO Box 32030, Maungaraki Lower Hutt 5055

Aaron Scythe Workshop 7 - 8 November

On the weekend of November 7 th and 8 th , internationally renowned NZ/Japanese potter Aaron Scythe is going to be taking a throwing, slipping and hopefully high fire ‘raku’ workshop at WPA. It will be demonstration and hands for the throwing and slipping in terracotta: tea bowls, rice bowls, sake bottles, sake cups, and some vases. He will also demonstrate some of his decorating techniques. Aaron will put his own pre-bisqued ware into the high firing ‘raku’ (more accurately ‘Hikidashi’) to demonstrate this technique. (Please note that this part of the workshop is yet to be confirmed by the WPA committee and will also be subject to us getting the appropriate equipment).

A quote from Aaron, “essentially the way I work is the oribe style so ...I use techniques that breed mistakes .... it’s all about not forcing thing to happen ... but letting them happen by different techniques”.

Aaron Scythe has lived and exhibited extensively in Japan. His work is very rooted in Japanese aesthetic and ceramic traditions, especially Oribe tea-ware traditions and Hikidashi (which translates as “pulled out black”) Winter Tea Bowls. You can see an example of those at http://www.theresasjoquist.com/?p=5093 . This article also give a really good explanation of oribe style, other photos of his work and something of Aaron’s life journey.

Those of you who get the NZP magazine ‘Ceramics Quarterly’ can read Anthea’s recent article on Aaron and his work.

Going to htttp://aaronscythe.com will take you to his Home page, with links to cool YouTube videos of him working the high firing ‘raku’ (Hikidashi-Guro) that he would like to do on the November workshop in Wellington.

Participants need to bring 2 bags (20 kgs) of terracotta clay, your own batts if you are taking your work home and some hakeme or medium sized house painting brushes. White slip will be provided. Cost: $70 WPA members, $80 non- members. Please reference your bank deposits (Wellington Potters Association - Account Number: 02 0568-0024590-00) with the workshop and your name.

Bisque Pots Graveyard

Our graveyard of unclaimed bisque pots is growing again, and we just don’t have the space! Any bisque pots that have been left unclaimed in the glaze room for longer than 4 weeks will be put outside at the end of this week.

Please pick your pots up as soon as possible after firing.

Chris & Peter in the kiln room Proposed Pottery Programme for 2015

Regular events • Classes

• Tuesday shared lunch – every Tuesday. Just come along, and bring something to share! August • Anagama Receiving Day 30 th August • Anagama - transport pots to kiln 31 st August September • Anagama Loading 1st – 6th September, Firing 9 th – 13 th September, Cooling 14 th – 19 th September • Anagama Unloading, and BBQ – Sunday 20 th September October • Ceramicus Receiving Day 17 October • Ceramics Selection Day 18 October (Note: Rooms are closed for the duration of selection. Glaze and kiln room will be open] • Ceramicus annual exhibition 23rd October – 1st November November • Aaron Scythe – Weekend workshop 7 th - 8th November - on throwing tea and rice bowls, sake bottles, cups and vases in oribe style using terracotta clay, and (possibly) the post firing Reduction technique of Koie Ryoji of Japan: a mixture of high firing and Raku reduction. Basic throwing skills required for this workshop. $70 members, $80 non-members. Enquiries [email protected]. • Anthea Grob – ½ half-day glazing workshops – Part One: Sunday mornings 1 st and 15 th November. ◦ 1st Nov for people who have only used club glazes so far. It’s an introduction to enable your own safe and reliable glaze making from recipe and testing it. ◦ 14 th Nov What is in a glaze, how it performing, an overview of glaze materials, and an opportunity to have glaze problems solved. To register, email [email protected]. Pay online to WPA. Please reference your name and the class. $35 for members, $40 for non- members. Plus • Some regular workshops for beginners on how to glaze. • Electric kiln firing workshop.

This is an indicative programme of events for 2015 – more detail on each will be provided closer to the event. If you have any suggestions please contact the WPA club. Pottery Classes

Mondays with Nicola Dench: Kids’ class 3.30pm – 5pm running for 8 weeks during school terms, aimed at 8-12 year olds. $200 per course all costs included. Contact Nicola Dench on 938-3356 or email [email protected] . Class starts 4 May. Monday 27 July, 5.30-7.30pm for 8 weeks: Community Education Centre courses - enrol for courses online through the Centre at http://www.cecwellington.ac.nz/courses/914-pottery-handbuilding-and-throwing . Basic to intermediate 8 week course $245. Course starts 12 October 2015. Tuesday 28 July, 5.30-7.30pm, and 7.30-9.30pm for 8 weeks: Community Education Centre courses - enrol for courses online through the Centre at http://www.cecwellington.ac.nz/courses/915-pottery-throwing- all-levels . Basic to intermediate 8 week course $245. Course starts 13 October 2015. Wednesdays, ongoing, 4-9pm : Japanese style throwing with Shige Ohashi, for all levels. Shige will be at the Association rooms 4-9pm, students start their 2 hour session anytime between 4-9pm. For further information, contact Shige at [email protected] . Thursdays, 20 August – 8 October, evenings for 8 weeks . Intermediate throwing class with Anneke Borren . $180, 20 Aug – 8 Oct 7-8pm. Further information and bookings from [email protected] . To register, Pay online to WPA. Please reference your name and the class. Fridays 9.45-12pm: Anthea Grob - Introductory and intermediate class in hand building and wheel throwing. 6-week courses run continuously. $138 per course, plus clay and firing costs. Contact Anthea to enrol ([email protected] ) or phone 9726672. Next course starts soon. Saturdays 9.45-11.45am: Anthea Grob - Introductory and intermediate class in hand building and wheel throwing. 6-week courses run continuously. $138 per course, plus clay and firing costs. Contact Anthea to enrol ( [email protected] ) or phone 9726672. Next course starts soon. For further information on all courses, please email Wellington Potters Association ([email protected] ).

New members

Wellington Potters welcomes new members: online application forms are available at: http://www.nzpotters.com/Clubs/WellingtonPottersAssociation_Join.cfm There are also links to the form on this page: http://www.nzpotters.com/Clubs/WellingtonPottersAssociation.cfm

WPA Club welcomes new members: Aaron Packard, Erin Banks, Sasha Ortega. Jeanie Mccafferty, Ruby Eade, Lucy Wardle, Ruth Stanton, Emma Carson, Liberty van Voorthuysen, and Kate Pullar.

Demonstration Workshop – Chester Nealie

Chester Nealie from Gulgong, NSW, Australia, will be providing a demonstration workshop through Waikato Society of Potters in Hamilton:

• Date: 7-8th November • Time: 10am • Cost: $80 • Location: Waikato Society of Potters, Ward Park Art Centre, Hamilton

Chester is a Woodfirer – he has designed a specific wood fired kiln to meet his needs as a wood firer. He tumble stacks the front area of the kiln using sea shells to separate the work. This gives his pieces ash shell effects on the surfaces of the pieces. Chester has work in collections all over the world. He has also demonstrated and exhibited all over the world. He learnt his potting skills here in New Zealand before heading over the ditch.

Registration: Fiona Tunnicliffe Phone 07 883 80-79 Email: [email protected] Club and committee contacts

FEE PAYING BY Internet: Wellington Potters Association - Account Number: 02 0568-0024590-00

Clubrooms 130 Grant Road, Thorndon (opposite George Street), Wellington 6011 or PO Box 6686, Te Aro, Wellington 6141 | Phone (04) 473 3680 | Email [email protected]

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wellington-Potters- Association/213144062066063

[Articles for the October newsletter should be emailed to the Editor’s cat by 25 September 2015 (Elaine Marland < [email protected] >)

As a club we try to keep our fees down while still covering costs. If for financial reasons you feel excluded, please contact the President. WPA Committee

President/ Gwyn Williams 04 905 2586 [email protected] Volunteer Coordinator Vice President/ Mauritz Basson 381 6751 [email protected] Maintenance Past President Rosemary O’Hara 233 0003 [email protected] Club Programme 021 201 6764 Secretary Kate Ford 473 5356 [email protected]

Orientation 021 121 6531 Treasurer Mike Doyle 021 631 187 [email protected] Safe/banking Clay, Glazes, and Vivian Rodriguez 021 264 5414 [email protected] programme for 972 0811 community groups Forms Rebecca Flowerday 027 279 9077 [email protected]

Ceramicus15 Nicci Hulley 027 3056 488 [email protected]

Kilns Chris Dunn 021 138 8472 [email protected]

Co-opted members Anagama Alan Ross 566 8922 [email protected] co-ordinator NZP delegate Nicola Dench 938 3356 [email protected] Membership/ Vera Burton 938 8207 [email protected] database manager Library and Elaine Marland 021 0505 335 [email protected] Newsletter editor 384 4718 Cubbies Manager Joe Zuccarello 479-1299 [email protected]