Whangarei potter at forefront again

Altered Form was made from clay dug near Glenbervie and fired in a smokeless wood-fired kiln made out of bricks from Kamo.

The artistry of Whangarei potter Greg Barron has again been recognised in New Zealand's top ceramics competition.

Barron is one of two Northland artists short-listed for the coveted 2014 Premier Portage Ceramic Award, which carries a prize of $15,000.

The other, among 50 finalists selected from more than 260 entries, is Julie Cromwell, who lives in the Wheki Valley near Whangarei.

Previous works by Barron won merit prizes in 2007, 2010 and 2013.

Barron says his work, Altered Form, reflects his interest in "aspects of the real, the tangible, handmade and with a sense of place and relationship - and with the ideal of sustainability, using materials close at hand".

Altered Form, was made from clay dug near his Glenbervie home and studio, blended in his workshop and fired in a smokeless wood-fired kiln made out of bricks from the old Kamo brickworks, "each one with the word Kamo stamped on it".

This year's judge, Japanese/British ceramicist and teacher Takeshi Yasuda, travelled from Jingdezhen, China, the porcelain capital of the world, where he has a studio.

Yasuda says each of the Portage finalists' works are engaging and rewarding.

"Some are quietly understated works, others are more strident pieces but, first and foremost, they all demonstrate a skill of visual expression."

The finalists' work will be exhibited at Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery (formerly Lopdell House Gallery) in Titirangi until February 8.

The winners were to be announced last night, including up to six merit awards and a People's Choice Award.

As well as the Premier Portage Award, the winner of a scholarship to participate in a workshop programme in New Jersey, US, will be announced.