Competent work by potters

Press, 6 May 1980, Page 4

Competent work by potters

Six Auckland Potters — an exhibition of pottery at Studio 393 until May 11. Reviewed by David Brokenshire.

This exhibition comprises work from Michael Lucas and Jill Totty, Barbara and Barry Hockenhull, Rosemary and Roger Brittain. It will be interesting to compare work in this exhibition with that of the annual exhibition of Canterbury potters, next month.

Almost all the pieces shown are immensely competent. Look at the brilliantlv decorated plates by Jill Totty and Michael Lucas. Who could possibly resist the child’s plate with 'a vile ogre saying, “Eat it all up or I’ll eat you.”

Barbara Hockenhull’s pieces were the least successful for me, yet I thoroughly enjoyed' the

brilliantly glazed small boxes. Barry Hockenhull’s domestic ware, all glazed in a well-controlled red shino,- is competently; thrown and well finished.His pieces are jugs, storage jars, casseroles and teapots.

Rosemary Brittain is celebrated for her birds and, again, these fantasies, are here to delight. There is also a collection of vases and- wall plaques, charmingly decorated? Roger Brittain shows a collection of vases and hotties. They are sparingly glazed and finished with a finely fissured texture, A decorative, waving, incised line used over many of the pieces ties them all together. In general this is a quiet exhibition containing much very competent work, giving back to the viewer the makers’ warm delight in their craft.