Exhibition disappoints

Press, 24 June 1981, Page 5

Exhibition disappoints

Annual Exhibition of Canterbury Potters' Association at the CSA Gallery until June 30, reviewed by David Brokenshire.

On opening night I was impressed by this exhibition, but in the clear, cold light of the following day. when all the pots could be handled 1 was disappointed. The show is very well mounted, uncrowded, with each piece being able to be seen on its own. The guest exhibitors' work certainly enhances the general effect. I have enjoyed Beverley Luxton's porcelain for a long time arid these pieces must come close to the perfection of her winning entry of the Brownbuilt Pottery Award. I respect Jim Greig’s integrity and my mind is intrigued by his work, but finally my heart does not respond to his forms...

There are many fine

pieces on view. Look at the decorative tile pictures of Gennie de Lange. The offering by Lawrence Ewing and Judith McMillan is outstanding. The two simple pieces of clay by Raynor Scandrett with landscapes worked in the glazing are heart catching. Brian Cooke's work is robustly handseme. The scale and colour of the salt glazing on Madeleine Findley’s pieces is admirable and the still, quiet voice of Robert Wagoner's pots must be heeded.

Although individually there are fine pieces, over all, in my view, there is a . lot of technically competent but dull work exhibited. It is not sufficient that a pot is well made and "works"; it must also delight the’ spirit. The ■joy of the artist in his work expressing a universal quality of soul is required of all artists in all media throughout all ages.