Nelson Suter Art Society

to promote and encourage the cultivation and production of work in the visual arts

I started learning about clay way back in the late 70’s early 80’s. Straight out of school to the Otago Polytechnic Art School for three years, then one year on the full time ceramic course.

I was very lucky to be taught by two very good potters with different approaches to clay. Neil Grant, an amazing technical thrower with a wealth of information and skill, and Michael Trumic for his knowledge of art, clay and form.

I have lived on our 12 acre property in Nelson for close to 30 years where my partner Chris Hinkley and myself set up the pottery.

For many years I have been the potter who has sat at the wheel and made domestic pottery. It takes years to master the skills you need to become a reasonable potter. I think you never stop learning, which is what makes working with clay so interesting and at times frustrating.

Recently my work has started to drift away from domestic pottery and into the challenging area of porcelain, and larger altered bowl forms and vases in stoneware.

Clay is very versatile, there are many ways of working, many ways of finishing and glazing. The results are always fascinating and the journey always interesting. This is what keeps me working with clay and trying to make work people like to have in their homes and to use in their every day life.