01 – 09 of October 2022
Whakatū (Nelson), Aotearoa
The industrialisation of both materials and products over the last century has taken us so far from source that we forget that the objects we cohabit with have a relationship with the land around us. However, potters have developed and maintained a relationship with their local environment for sourcing their materials.
The Taranaki landscape has been a rich source of glaze materials for Janeen Page. Working with one glaze for over 15 years gave her an understanding of her local geology and constituents in glaze making. In 2020, further study into New Zealand rock glazes expanded her knowledge of the regional palette available to us throughout New Zealand.
Join Janeen for a two-day workshop which will begin with an informative field trip around Nelson to explore what the area has to offer and will include the development of glaze samples, and a discussion of her research into New Zealand rock glazes.
According to Barry Brickell of Coromandel “...a bottle of dry red wine, six inches of salami, two or three apples, several plastic sample bags, a notebook, a drinking beaker and a raincoat should suffice as essential equipment for a day in the field....”.
To expand on Barry’s advice, please bring the following to the workshop: jars, small scales, a mug bisqued using high fired stoneware (optional), pen and notebook, good walking shoes, sun protection, a respirator (if possible), a bisqued mug (to be glazed during the workshop in cone 10 firing), water and picnic lunch.
Please note that part two of this workshop will be held at NMIT – G-block Workshop - 61/65 Nile Street, Nelson 7010.
Janeen graduated from Elam School of Fine Arts with a degree in sculpture in 1997. Her heart, however, has always been within the domestic arts, sewing, embroidery, baking, preserving, and gardening.
For Janeen, pottery bridges both worlds, as it is both creative and functional. It resonated with her values and meant she was able to create with a medium that is natural, sourced within Taranaki/New Zealand, and provide for a community of people who want to support local handmade goods.
Her hand-thrown domestic stoneware collection is the result of a 15-year study of the geology of her landscape - explored through the alchemy of ceramic glazes.
Sourced from north of Taranaki, glazes are blended with the crumbling remnants of volcanic debris, ash, and iron sands.
The elements fused at 1300 degrees create a rich natural palette - telling the story which is carried by these organic thrown forms.