Earthy delights

Press, 16 February 1980, Page 14

Earthy delights

“In a Garden of Earthy Delights.” An exhibition of pottery by Robert Wagoner at the C.S.A. Gallery. Open until February 28. Reviewed by David Brokenshire. This craft exhibition sets a fair standard for shows yet to come. It is the first solo exhibition of Robert Wagoner, born in San Antonio, Texas, and educated at the University of Maryland. He has set-. ' tied in ;Loburn and . has been a full-time potter for • three years. ' ■ ■ . 'ln : general terms . the work shown is typical of ; that produced throughout ; New Zealand. Most of the pieces are domestic pots for use, firmly based in the Leach tradition. There is hardly any feature — apart from a wayward handle or two — which : could be described as A “American influence.” .; ’ In my view the ; finest pieces are . the quietest. /The . collection, of small lidded boxes glazed in a iT.pale grey celadon with “crab’s claw” crackle exactly comnlementing the form, really ■ catch my heart. . ■ There are also good examples ■. of red shino ‘ glaze which- gives its characteristic warmth. Some of the pieces are appropriately heavy yet on certain pieces it simply ■ makes them clumsy. This is a good first solo exhibition and the potter’s love for. his. craft is warmly communicated.